<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-praises-amazing-team-family-after-winning-f1-title-174094">Lewis Hamilton</a> said here Thursday, after winning his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-claims-fifth-f1-drivers-title-174079">fifth Formula 1 world driver's championship</a> in Mexico, that his goal is now to win the two upcoming races to secure the constructor's championship for his Mercedes team.

"I'm in the frame of mind that I still have races to win and the job isn't done yet," the British driver said during a press conference in the paddock of Sao Paulo's Interlagos circuit, where the Brazilian Grand Prix will take place on Sunday.

After clinching his fifth title in Mexico, Hamilton said his goal was now to make sure "we secure this title in the next two races for the team," referring to the Brazil event and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

"That's the key, because, as we always talk about, there are over 1,000 people back at the factory that work so hard and that is the one that means most to them," Hamilton said.

Mercedes lead the race for the constructor's crown with 585 points, 55 more than their closest rival, Ferrari, who need to claw back at least 42 of those points at Interlagos to remain in the running.

Hamilton said his team is stronger that last year and that the feeling within the car is better compared to last season.

Lewis Hamilton said here Thursday, after winning his fifth Formula 1 world driver's championship in Mexico, that his goal is now to win the two upcoming races to secure the constructor's championship for his Mercedes team.

Lewis Hamilton said here Thursday, after winning his fifth Formula 1 world driver's championship in Mexico, that his goal is now to win the two upcoming races to secure the constructor's championship for his Mercedes team. "I'm in the frame of mind that I still have races to win and the job isn't done yet," the British driver said during a press conference in the paddock of Sao Paulo's Interlagos circuit, where the Brazilian Grand Prix will take place on Sunday. After clinching his fifth title in Mexico, Hamilton said his goal was now to make sure "we secure this title in the next two races for the team," referring to the Brazil event and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. "That's the key, because, as we always talk about, there are over 1,000 people back at the factory that work so hard and that is the one that means most to them," Hamilton said. Mercedes lead the race for the constructor's crown with 585 points, 55 more than their closest rival, Ferrari, who need to claw back at least 42 of those points at Interlagos to remain in the running. Hamilton said his team is stronger that last year and that the feeling within the car is better compared to last season.

'Job isn't done yet,' says F1 champ Lewis Hamilton

Statistics for Sunday's Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix at Sao Paulo's Interlagos circuit:

Lap distance: 4.309km. Total distance: 305.909km (71 laps) 
2017 pole: Valtteri Bottas (Finland) Mercedes One minute 08.322 seconds. 
2017 winner: Sebastian Vettel (Germany) Ferrari 
Race lap record: Max Verstappen (Netherlands) Red Bull 2017, 1:11.044. 
Start time: 1710GMT (1510 local)

TITLE

Lewis Hamilton has already clinched his fifth world championship, doing so in Mexico with two races to spare.&nbsp;

The Briton is only the third driver to win five titles, after the late Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio and Michael Schumacher.

Mercedes can now clinch their fifth successive constructors` championship -- something previously achieved only by Ferrari (1999-2004).

The team are 55 points ahead of Ferrari, who must outscore the reigning champions by 13 points at Interlagos to keep the title battle open until Abu Dhabi.

BRAZIL

Three of the current drivers have won in Brazil: Vettel (2010, 2013, 2017), Raikkonen (2007), Hamilton (2016).

Brazil has been on the calendar since 1973, starting at Interlagos before moving to Rio de Janeiro and then returning to Sao Paulo. The circuit is named after the late Jose Carlos Pace.

Hamilton clinched his first title in Brazil in 2008.

Pole position has translated into victory 13 times in 35 races in Brazil. McLaren have a record 12 wins in Brazil, eight at Interlagos. Jenson Button's 2012 win there remains the team`s most recent victory.

There is no Brazilian driver on the starting grid at present.

RACE WINS

Hamilton has nine wins this season to Vettel`s five. Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen have two each and Ferrari`s Kimi Raikkonen one.

Hamilton has 71 victories from 227 races and is second in the all-time list behind seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher (91). Vettel, third on the all-time list, has 52.

Ferrari have won 235 races since 1950, McLaren 182, Williams 114, Mercedes 85 and Red Bull 59. Former champions McLaren and Williams have not won since 2012.

POLE POSITION

Hamilton has a record 81 career poles, Vettel 55.

Verstappen, who turned 21 at the end of September, has two chances left to become the youngest ever pole sitter. The current youngest is Vettel, who did it at 21 years and 72 days.

PODIUM

Hamilton has 132 career podiums and is second on the all-time list behind Schumacher (155). Vettel has 110, Raikkonen 102.

Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas has had seven second-place finishes this season.

POINTS

Every driver on the starting grid has scored this season.

MILESTONE

Mercedes are one pole position away from their 100th in Formula One

Statistics for Sunday's Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix at Sao Paulo's Interlagos circuit: Lap distance: 4.309km. Total distance: 305.909km (71 laps) 2017 pole: Valtteri Bottas (Finland) Mercedes One minute 08.

Statistics for Sunday's Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix at Sao Paulo's Interlagos circuit: Lap distance: 4.309km. Total distance: 305.909km (71 laps) 2017 pole: Valtteri Bottas (Finland) Mercedes One minute 08.322 seconds. 2017 winner: Sebastian Vettel (Germany) Ferrari Race lap record: Max Verstappen (Netherlands) Red Bull 2017, 1:11.044. Start time: 1710GMT (1510 local) TITLE Lewis Hamilton has already clinched his fifth world championship, doing so in Mexico with two races to spare. The Briton is only the third driver to win five titles, after the late Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio and Michael Schumacher. Mercedes can now clinch their fifth successive constructors` championship -- something previously achieved only by Ferrari (1999-2004). The team are 55 points ahead of Ferrari, who must outscore the reigning champions by 13 points at Interlagos to keep the title battle open until Abu Dhabi. BRAZIL Three of the current drivers have won in Brazil: Vettel (2010, 2013, 2017), Raikkonen (2007), Hamilton (2016). Brazil has been on the calendar since 1973, starting at Interlagos before moving to Rio de Janeiro and then returning to Sao Paulo. The circuit is named after the late Jose Carlos Pace. Hamilton clinched his first title in Brazil in 2008. Pole position has translated into victory 13 times in 35 races in Brazil. McLaren have a record 12 wins in Brazil, eight at Interlagos. Jenson Button's 2012 win there remains the team`s most recent victory. There is no Brazilian driver on the starting grid at present. RACE WINS Hamilton has nine wins this season to Vettel`s five. Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen have two each and Ferrari`s Kimi Raikkonen one. Hamilton has 71 victories from 227 races and is second in the all-time list behind seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher (91). Vettel, third on the all-time list, has 52. Ferrari have won 235 races since 1950, McLaren 182, Williams 114, Mercedes 85 and Red Bull 59. Former champions McLaren and Williams have not won since 2012. POLE POSITION Hamilton has a record 81 career poles, Vettel 55. Verstappen, who turned 21 at the end of September, has two chances left to become the youngest ever pole sitter. The current youngest is Vettel, who did it at 21 years and 72 days. PODIUM Hamilton has 132 career podiums and is second on the all-time list behind Schumacher (155). Vettel has 110, Raikkonen 102. Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas has had seven second-place finishes this season. POINTS Every driver on the starting grid has scored this season. MILESTONE Mercedes are one pole position away from their 100th in Formula One

Motor racing: Formula One statistics for the Brazilian Grand Prix

Britain's Lewis Hamilton praised the team after winning his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-claims-fifth-f1-drivers-title-174079">fifth Formula One world championship</a> on Sunday at the Mexican Grand Prix. He said, "Mercedes and my team have just been the most incredible unit."

Red Bull's Max Verstappen won the Mexican GP and Hamilton finished fourth while Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel took second place.

The 33-year-old Hamilton admitted that it was one of his worst races of the year as he came home fourth.

"I don't know if it will ever kick in," said Hamilton. "We have just had a difficult afternoon and it was tough. I didn't know if we would get the car home.

"It has been the toughest year physically, mentally and personally with everything I'm committed to, but I have amazing support.

"Mercedes and my team have just been the most incredible unit and worked to raise the bar. In my mind it is just another day of fighting and I have more races to win, it is not over.

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Wow, unbelievable, 5 World Championships!! Message on Instagram guys... <a href="https://t.co/U02N19GX8J">https://t.co/U02N19GX8J</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LHFive?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LHFive</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MercedesAMGF1</a> 📷 <a href="https://twitter.com/Motors_images?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Motors_images</a> <a href="https://t.co/ROLGAnD3nR">pic.twitter.com/ROLGAnD3nR</a>
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"In my mind I have to work, go to the debrief and try to win in Brazil.

"This was a really tough race, I came to the last lap and I was like 'please hold it together and not make any mistakes'.

"I have to enjoy this one, you never know what is down the corner.

"I'm never going to stand here now as a five-time world champion again. You have to set your sights and goals high, but you have to treasure every moment.

"Naturally I'm going to keep racing, I love doing what I do and the fans really help."

Britain's Lewis Hamilton praised the team after winning his fifth Formula One world championship on Sunday at the Mexican Grand Prix. He said, "Mercedes and my team have just been the most incredible unit.

Britain's Lewis Hamilton praised the team after winning his fifth Formula One world championship on Sunday at the Mexican Grand Prix. He said, "Mercedes and my team have just been the most incredible unit." Red Bull's Max Verstappen won the Mexican GP and Hamilton finished fourth while Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel took second place. The 33-year-old Hamilton admitted that it was one of his worst races of the year as he came home fourth. "I don't know if it will ever kick in," said Hamilton. "We have just had a difficult afternoon and it was tough. I didn't know if we would get the car home. "It has been the toughest year physically, mentally and personally with everything I'm committed to, but I have amazing support. "Mercedes and my team have just been the most incredible unit and worked to raise the bar. In my mind it is just another day of fighting and I have more races to win, it is not over. Wow, unbelievable, 5 World Championships!! Message on Instagram guys... https://t.co/U02N19GX8J#LHFive @MercedesAMGF1 📷 @Motors_images pic.twitter.com/ROLGAnD3nR — Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) October 28, 2018 × "In my mind I have to work, go to the debrief and try to win in Brazil. "This was a really tough race, I came to the last lap and I was like 'please hold it together and not make any mistakes'. "I have to enjoy this one, you never know what is down the corner. "I'm never going to stand here now as a five-time world champion again. You have to set your sights and goals high, but you have to treasure every moment. "Naturally I'm going to keep racing, I love doing what I do and the fans really help."

Lewis Hamilton thanks 'amazing' team, family after winning F1 championship

Britain's Lewis&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;celebrated his fifth Formula One world championship&nbsp;after a Mexican Grand Prix won by Red Bull's Max Verstappen for the second year in a row.

The Mercedes driver, who equalled the five titles of late 1950s Argentine great Juan Manuel Fangio with only seven times champion Michael Schumacher ahead of them, finished fourth while Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel took second place.

Hamilton, 33, had needed only five points to be sure of the title while four times champion Vettel had to win to have any hope of denying the Briton.

Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen was third, meaning the constructors' championship remained open at least until the Brazilian Grand Prix in two weeks' time with Mercedes' lead trimmed.

In a nice sporting gesture, the Briton hugged Vettel and then ran back to the Mercedes garage to embrace his teammates one by one.

Australian Daniel Ricciardo, Verstappen's team mate, retired from the race with a smoking engine after starting from pole position.

Britain's Lewis Hamilton celebrated his fifth Formula One world championship after a Mexican Grand Prix won by Red Bull's Max Verstappen for the second year in a row.

Britain's Lewis Hamilton celebrated his fifth Formula One world championship after a Mexican Grand Prix won by Red Bull's Max Verstappen for the second year in a row. The Mercedes driver, who equalled the five titles of late 1950s Argentine great Juan Manuel Fangio with only seven times champion Michael Schumacher ahead of them, finished fourth while Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel took second place. Hamilton, 33, had needed only five points to be sure of the title while four times champion Vettel had to win to have any hope of denying the Briton. Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen was third, meaning the constructors' championship remained open at least until the Brazilian Grand Prix in two weeks' time with Mercedes' lead trimmed. In a nice sporting gesture, the Briton hugged Vettel and then ran back to the Mercedes garage to embrace his teammates one by one. Australian Daniel Ricciardo, Verstappen's team mate, retired from the race with a smoking engine after starting from pole position.

Lewis Hamilton claims fifth F1 drivers title

Max Verstappen left Formula One title contenders Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel trailing on Friday by dominating Mexican Grand Prix practice before his Red Bull was halted by an hydraulics problem.

Last year's race winner looked a good bet to become the youngest driver on pole position in Saturday's qualifying with the 21-year-old Dutchman impressively quick at the high-altitude circuit.

"We have a good car, good downforce, good mechanical grip," commented the youngster, who appeared unconcerned about the complete power loss 10 minutes from the end of the second session.

Mercedes' world championship leader Hamilton, who was some way off the pace, would have no quarrel with another Verstappen victory since that would also hand him his fifth title with two races to spare.

Ferrari's Vettel, now 70 points behind the Briton, has to win to have any mathematical chance of denying Hamilton the crown but he also looked some way off the Red Bull's pace.

Verstappen led Australian team mate Daniel Ricciardo in a Red Bull one-two in both sessions, lapping with a best time of one minute 16.656 seconds in the morning and then 1:16.720 in the afternoon.

Ricciardo was 0.483 slower in a bright and hot first session, and 0.153 off the pace after lunch.

Renault, also Red Bull's engine providers, were best of the rest with Spaniard Carlos Sainz third in both sessions.

The thin air of a circuit at 2,200 metres above sea level means champions Mercedes and Ferrari have less of a power advantage than usual.

"The engines are struggling for air, the brakes, the cooling... we're running the same wing as (slow and twisty) Monaco and we've got the same downforce as (high-speed) Monza," said Red Bull boss Christian Horner.

"I think we are able to run the car in its optimum state and we've got a power unit that this weekend looks competitive relative to the others."

Horner said that if Verstappen's car needed an engine change, the driver still had one left in his pool and should not face any grid drop.

Fangio's Five

Hamilton, who is set to match the five titles won by late Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio in the 1950s, was fifth and seventh respectively and complaining of heavy tyre wear.

"We've got some ground to catch up on, so we're now going to go through everything in the debrief and look at all the details to find some answers," said the Briton.

"Red Bull seem out of our reach at the moment, Ferrari are right there with us, but we're here to try and compete, so we will do the best we can to have a real race."

Vettel was seventh in the morning but moved up fourth in the afternoon.

"I don't think we had a tidy lap, we should have been in front of the Renaults," said the German.

"I think everybody is on the limit with tyres and trying to get them to work in order to slide less, with the exception maybe of the Red Bulls."

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff agreed that the Red Bulls and Renaults were in good shape.

"It will be interesting to see where they are tomorrow," he said. "I think the Red Bulls with the Renault (engines) made a step forwards."

Toro Rosso's French driver Pierre Gasly collected a 15-place grid penalty after engine partners Honda changed components in the car's power unit.

Max Verstappen left Formula One title contenders Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel trailing on Friday by dominating Mexican Grand Prix practice before his Red Bull was halted by an hydraulics problem.

Max Verstappen left Formula One title contenders Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel trailing on Friday by dominating Mexican Grand Prix practice before his Red Bull was halted by an hydraulics problem. Last year's race winner looked a good bet to become the youngest driver on pole position in Saturday's qualifying with the 21-year-old Dutchman impressively quick at the high-altitude circuit. "We have a good car, good downforce, good mechanical grip," commented the youngster, who appeared unconcerned about the complete power loss 10 minutes from the end of the second session. Mercedes' world championship leader Hamilton, who was some way off the pace, would have no quarrel with another Verstappen victory since that would also hand him his fifth title with two races to spare. Ferrari's Vettel, now 70 points behind the Briton, has to win to have any mathematical chance of denying Hamilton the crown but he also looked some way off the Red Bull's pace. Verstappen led Australian team mate Daniel Ricciardo in a Red Bull one-two in both sessions, lapping with a best time of one minute 16.656 seconds in the morning and then 1:16.720 in the afternoon. Ricciardo was 0.483 slower in a bright and hot first session, and 0.153 off the pace after lunch. Renault, also Red Bull's engine providers, were best of the rest with Spaniard Carlos Sainz third in both sessions. The thin air of a circuit at 2,200 metres above sea level means champions Mercedes and Ferrari have less of a power advantage than usual. "The engines are struggling for air, the brakes, the cooling... we're running the same wing as (slow and twisty) Monaco and we've got the same downforce as (high-speed) Monza," said Red Bull boss Christian Horner. "I think we are able to run the car in its optimum state and we've got a power unit that this weekend looks competitive relative to the others." Horner said that if Verstappen's car needed an engine change, the driver still had one left in his pool and should not face any grid drop. Fangio's Five Hamilton, who is set to match the five titles won by late Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio in the 1950s, was fifth and seventh respectively and complaining of heavy tyre wear. "We've got some ground to catch up on, so we're now going to go through everything in the debrief and look at all the details to find some answers," said the Briton. "Red Bull seem out of our reach at the moment, Ferrari are right there with us, but we're here to try and compete, so we will do the best we can to have a real race." Vettel was seventh in the morning but moved up fourth in the afternoon. "I don't think we had a tidy lap, we should have been in front of the Renaults," said the German. "I think everybody is on the limit with tyres and trying to get them to work in order to slide less, with the exception maybe of the Red Bulls." Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff agreed that the Red Bulls and Renaults were in good shape. "It will be interesting to see where they are tomorrow," he said. "I think the Red Bulls with the Renault (engines) made a step forwards." Toro Rosso's French driver Pierre Gasly collected a 15-place grid penalty after engine partners Honda changed components in the car's power unit.

Max Verstappen fastest in Mexican Grand Prix practice

Sebastian&nbsp;Vettel&nbsp;would have to make the greatest comeback in Formula One history to win his fifth championship this year and even the Ferrari driver is not buying that one.

The German must now win all three remaining races in Mexico, Brazil and Abu Dhabi to have any chance of beating Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton, and that will still not be enough on its own.

Hamilton, the winner of nine races this year to the German's five, has a 70 point advantage after Sunday's US&nbsp;Grand Prix and needs to score only five more to become a five-time champion.

He will not even need those if&nbsp;Vettel&nbsp;falls short of perfection.

British bookmaker William Hill was offering Hamilton at 1-500 with&nbsp;Vettel&nbsp;50-1 -- the German on the same odds as Hollywood actors Leonardo DiCaprio or George Clooney becoming the next US&nbsp;president.

Realistically, it is all over and the coronation is likely to come in Mexico City next weekend.

The last time Hamilton went three races in a row without scoring at least five points was in 2012, when he was at McLaren and failed to finish in Valencia, was eighth in Britain and retired in Germany.

It has never happened in his time at Mercedes, and Hamilton has not had three races in a row off the podium in a single season since 2013.

Vettel&nbsp;has not won three races in a row since he was at Red Bull in 2013.

Ferrari last won in Mexico in 1990 -- admittedly not as dramatic as it sounds because that race was not held from 1993 to 2014 -- and have never triumphed in Abu Dhabi in that grand prix's nine-year existence.

Asked about his championship chances after starting fifth in Austin and dropping to 15th following a first lap spin before he eventually finished fourth,&nbsp;Vettel&nbsp;smiled.

"Getting slimmer," the German, whose teammate Kimi Raikkonen won the race with Hamilton third, replied.

The grim humour continued when it was pointed out to him that he had to win the last three races: "Yeah, probably the last four or five," he said.

"So far we didn’t do so well. Obviously, the last couple of months haven’t been very good for us in many regards.

"I had another recovery drive (on Sunday) but I’m getting a bit tired of recovery drives."

On the plus side, Austin showed that Ferrari had at least regained some of their speed to end Hamilton's bid for a fifth win in a row.

That, however, was largely due to discarding some recent changes and reverting to what worked before.

"You can see it as good news but you can also see it as bad news. If we have to go back to a car that has been competitive three or four months ago, then surely it can’t be good news. If you think about it," said&nbsp;Vettel.

Sebastian Vettel would have to make the greatest comeback in Formula One history to win his fifth championship this year and even the Ferrari driver is not buying that one.

Sebastian Vettel would have to make the greatest comeback in Formula One history to win his fifth championship this year and even the Ferrari driver is not buying that one. The German must now win all three remaining races in Mexico, Brazil and Abu Dhabi to have any chance of beating Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton, and that will still not be enough on its own. Hamilton, the winner of nine races this year to the German's five, has a 70 point advantage after Sunday's US Grand Prix and needs to score only five more to become a five-time champion. He will not even need those if Vettel falls short of perfection. British bookmaker William Hill was offering Hamilton at 1-500 with Vettel 50-1 -- the German on the same odds as Hollywood actors Leonardo DiCaprio or George Clooney becoming the next US president. Realistically, it is all over and the coronation is likely to come in Mexico City next weekend. The last time Hamilton went three races in a row without scoring at least five points was in 2012, when he was at McLaren and failed to finish in Valencia, was eighth in Britain and retired in Germany. It has never happened in his time at Mercedes, and Hamilton has not had three races in a row off the podium in a single season since 2013. Vettel has not won three races in a row since he was at Red Bull in 2013. Ferrari last won in Mexico in 1990 -- admittedly not as dramatic as it sounds because that race was not held from 1993 to 2014 -- and have never triumphed in Abu Dhabi in that grand prix's nine-year existence. Asked about his championship chances after starting fifth in Austin and dropping to 15th following a first lap spin before he eventually finished fourth, Vettel smiled. "Getting slimmer," the German, whose teammate Kimi Raikkonen won the race with Hamilton third, replied. The grim humour continued when it was pointed out to him that he had to win the last three races: "Yeah, probably the last four or five," he said. "So far we didn’t do so well. Obviously, the last couple of months haven’t been very good for us in many regards. "I had another recovery drive (on Sunday) but I’m getting a bit tired of recovery drives." On the plus side, Austin showed that Ferrari had at least regained some of their speed to end Hamilton's bid for a fifth win in a row. That, however, was largely due to discarding some recent changes and reverting to what worked before. "You can see it as good news but you can also see it as bad news. If we have to go back to a car that has been competitive three or four months ago, then surely it can’t be good news. If you think about it," said Vettel.

Sebastian Vettel clings on mathematically for another week

US Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton's title hopes boosted by Vettel's grid drop

Kimi Raikkonen's US Grand Prix victory left Lewis Hamilton, who fell to the third spot, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-lewis-hamilton-will-wait-for-world-title-172693">waiting for his fifth world title</a>.

Dutch driver Max Verstappen finished a surprise second after starting 18th in a thrilling finale with the top three cars separated by just 2.1 seconds at the chequered flag.

Raikkonen and Verstappen made Hamilton's loss even more bitter by asking him if he had won the championship after the race!

The Mercedes driver took the situation sportingly, in fact he confirmed that he had not won the title, yet.

Also, the official Twitter handle of Ferrari tweeted a shushing emoji after Kimi's victory.

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🤫
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScuderiaFerrari/status/1054103384800796675?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kimi7?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kimi7</a>'s message for you! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USGP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForzaFerrari?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForzaFerrari</a> <a href="https://t.co/SEzheOLMdp">pic.twitter.com/SEzheOLMdp</a>
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScuderiaFerrari/status/1054152525761470466?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Kimi's victory was very special for him as he&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/kimi-raikkonen-to-leave-ferrari-will-return-to-sauber-165092">will leave Ferrari&nbsp;</a>at the end of 2018 and will return to Sauber.

This was his first win since the Australian Grand Prix of March 2013, a gap of 113 races dating back to when he was racing for Lotus, and 21st of his career.

Kimi Raikkonen's US Grand Prix victory left Lewis Hamilton, who fell to the third spot, waiting for his fifth world title. Dutch driver Max Verstappen finished a surprise second after starting 18th in a thrilling finale with the top three cars separated by just 2.

Kimi Raikkonen's US Grand Prix victory left Lewis Hamilton, who fell to the third spot, waiting for his fifth world title. Dutch driver Max Verstappen finished a surprise second after starting 18th in a thrilling finale with the top three cars separated by just 2.1 seconds at the chequered flag. Raikkonen and Verstappen made Hamilton's loss even more bitter by asking him if he had won the championship after the race! The Mercedes driver took the situation sportingly, in fact he confirmed that he had not won the title, yet. Also, the official Twitter handle of Ferrari tweeted a shushing emoji after Kimi's victory. 🤫 — Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) October 21, 2018 × #Kimi7's message for you! #USGP #ForzaFerrari pic.twitter.com/SEzheOLMdp — Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) October 21, 2018 × Kimi's victory was very special for him as he will leave Ferrari at the end of 2018 and will return to Sauber. This was his first win since the Australian Grand Prix of March 2013, a gap of 113 races dating back to when he was racing for Lotus, and 21st of his career.

'Did you win the title,' Raikkonen, Verstappen tease Hamilton

Ferrari's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/kimi-raikkonen-wins-f1-united-states-grand-prix-172690">Kimi Raikkonen won the US Grand Prix</a> on Sunday that put Lewis Hamilton's championship title hopes on hold.

Hamilton fell to the third spot following Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who finished second after starting in 18th place, on Sunday.

The 33-year-old Hamilton, who was forced to wait for a fifth world title, congratulated Kimi. He said, "Well first big congratulations to Kimi, he did a great job today, no mistakes and he had a great start."

Hamilton also praised Dutch driver Verstappen, "Also Verstappen did a great job as well I mean he was on a slightly better tire than us at the end so it's naturally a bit of a struggle."

"I naturally thought we would've been out to do better but this was the best we were able to do in the end," he concluded.

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, Hamilton's only title rival, spun down to 15th on the opening lap but fought back to finish fourth - a result that means the championship remains open until Mexico next weekend.

Hamilton, the defending World Drivers' Champion and the current championship leader, now has a 70-point lead over his four-times champion rival with 75 points remaining to be won from the last three races.

Kimi's victory was very special for him as he <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/kimi-raikkonen-to-leave-ferrari-will-return-to-sauber-165092">will leave Ferrari </a>at the end of 2018 and will return to Sauber.

This was his first win since the Australian Grand Prix of March 2013, a gap of 113 races dating back to when he was racing for Lotus, and 21st of his career.

Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen won the US Grand Prix on Sunday that put Lewis Hamilton's championship title hopes on hold. Hamilton fell to the third spot following Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who finished second after starting in 18th place, on Sunday.

Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen won the US Grand Prix on Sunday that put Lewis Hamilton's championship title hopes on hold. Hamilton fell to the third spot following Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who finished second after starting in 18th place, on Sunday. The 33-year-old Hamilton, who was forced to wait for a fifth world title, congratulated Kimi. He said, "Well first big congratulations to Kimi, he did a great job today, no mistakes and he had a great start." Hamilton also praised Dutch driver Verstappen, "Also Verstappen did a great job as well I mean he was on a slightly better tire than us at the end so it's naturally a bit of a struggle." "I naturally thought we would've been out to do better but this was the best we were able to do in the end," he concluded. Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, Hamilton's only title rival, spun down to 15th on the opening lap but fought back to finish fourth - a result that means the championship remains open until Mexico next weekend. Hamilton, the defending World Drivers' Champion and the current championship leader, now has a 70-point lead over his four-times champion rival with 75 points remaining to be won from the last three races. Kimi's victory was very special for him as he will leave Ferrari at the end of 2018 and will return to Sauber. This was his first win since the Australian Grand Prix of March 2013, a gap of 113 races dating back to when he was racing for Lotus, and 21st of his career.

Formula One: Lewis Hamilton to wait for world title

Finland's Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) won Sunday's Formula 1 Grand Prix in the United States, surpassing Dutch driver Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and dethroning Great Britain's Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), who fell to the third spot.

To secure his fifth Grand Prix victory, Hamilton needed to beat runner-up Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) by eight points, but ended up defeating the German by only three.

The Englishman is 70 points above Vettel, which means that he needs to finish seventh at next week's race in Mexico to win the tournament for the fifth time and take his place alongside legendary Argentine driver Juan Manuel Fangio.

Raikkonen claimed his 21st Formula 1 victory, the first one since 2013, when he won the Australian Grand Prix.

Spain's Carlos Sainz (Renault) finished seventh after starting 11th, despite a five-minute time-out.

HIs countryman, Fernando Alonso (Mercedes), had to leave the competition following a collision with Canada's Lance Stroll (Williams) during the first of the 56 laps.

Mexico's Sergio Perez (Force India) finished 10th.

Finland's Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) won Sunday's Formula 1 Grand Prix in the United States, surpassing Dutch driver Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and dethroning Great Britain's Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), who fell to the third spot.

Finland's Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) won Sunday's Formula 1 Grand Prix in the United States, surpassing Dutch driver Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and dethroning Great Britain's Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), who fell to the third spot. To secure his fifth Grand Prix victory, Hamilton needed to beat runner-up Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) by eight points, but ended up defeating the German by only three. The Englishman is 70 points above Vettel, which means that he needs to finish seventh at next week's race in Mexico to win the tournament for the fifth time and take his place alongside legendary Argentine driver Juan Manuel Fangio. Raikkonen claimed his 21st Formula 1 victory, the first one since 2013, when he won the Australian Grand Prix. Spain's Carlos Sainz (Renault) finished seventh after starting 11th, despite a five-minute time-out. HIs countryman, Fernando Alonso (Mercedes), had to leave the competition following a collision with Canada's Lance Stroll (Williams) during the first of the 56 laps. Mexico's Sergio Perez (Force India) finished 10th.

Kimi Raikkonen wins F1 United States Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton shrugged off having his Formula One title celebrations put on hold on Sunday and said it did not matter when or where he won his fifth championship as long as it came in the end.

The Briton would have wrapped up matters at the US&nbsp;Grand Prix had he beaten Sebastian Vettel by eight points but fell short, finishing third with the Ferrari driver fourth.

He will now have to wait until Mexico next weekend for another shot at becoming only the third driver to win five titles or more.

Mercedes did not help his cause with a strategy that left him having to pit twice, against rivals stopping only once, but Hamilton also admitted he had played it safe with so much at stake.

The finishing positions still made the ultimate goal a foregone conclusion with the Mercedes driver needing only to finish seventh in Mexico even if Vettel -- who cannot afford to drop another point -- wins.

"Honestly I was trying to win the race but you look at the two guys next to me, they’re not fighting for a championship so I had to be very, very careful how I navigated around them," said Hamilton, appearing at the podium news conference with Ferrari's race winner Kimi Raikkonen and Red Bull's Max Verstappen.

"Championships are not won by fighting and making silly mistakes," added the Briton, who had started on pole position and arrived in Austin on the back of four wins in a row and six out of the last seven.

Hamilton had been nose to tail with Verstappen in the closing laps and made his move with two to go.

Given the young Dutchman's reputation for tough defending, he made sure he left plenty of space, however, and failed to make the move stick.

"I gave him way too much space just to be sure that I didn’t get clipped, for example, didn’t get taken out because I didn’t know if you would understeer into me or could be aggressive," said the Briton.

Verstappen had collided with Vettel at the previous race in Japan, sending the German spinning down to 19th before he fought back to sixth.

Hamilton said he would have behaved far more aggressively had the battle been with Vettel rather than Verstappen, who had nothing to lose.

"The key was that I at least finished ahead of Seb and for me it doesn’t matter when you win the championship as long as you get it done," he said.

"Ultimately we wanted to win the race today and I think going backwards two steps is not a good result but...you can’t win them all, you can’t always get them perfect."

Lewis Hamilton shrugged off having his Formula One title celebrations put on hold on Sunday and said it did not matter when or where he won his fifth championship as long as it came in the end.

Lewis Hamilton shrugged off having his Formula One title celebrations put on hold on Sunday and said it did not matter when or where he won his fifth championship as long as it came in the end. The Briton would have wrapped up matters at the US Grand Prix had he beaten Sebastian Vettel by eight points but fell short, finishing third with the Ferrari driver fourth. He will now have to wait until Mexico next weekend for another shot at becoming only the third driver to win five titles or more. Mercedes did not help his cause with a strategy that left him having to pit twice, against rivals stopping only once, but Hamilton also admitted he had played it safe with so much at stake. The finishing positions still made the ultimate goal a foregone conclusion with the Mercedes driver needing only to finish seventh in Mexico even if Vettel -- who cannot afford to drop another point -- wins. "Honestly I was trying to win the race but you look at the two guys next to me, they’re not fighting for a championship so I had to be very, very careful how I navigated around them," said Hamilton, appearing at the podium news conference with Ferrari's race winner Kimi Raikkonen and Red Bull's Max Verstappen. "Championships are not won by fighting and making silly mistakes," added the Briton, who had started on pole position and arrived in Austin on the back of four wins in a row and six out of the last seven. Hamilton had been nose to tail with Verstappen in the closing laps and made his move with two to go. Given the young Dutchman's reputation for tough defending, he made sure he left plenty of space, however, and failed to make the move stick. "I gave him way too much space just to be sure that I didn’t get clipped, for example, didn’t get taken out because I didn’t know if you would understeer into me or could be aggressive," said the Briton. Verstappen had collided with Vettel at the previous race in Japan, sending the German spinning down to 19th before he fought back to sixth. Hamilton said he would have behaved far more aggressively had the battle been with Vettel rather than Verstappen, who had nothing to lose. "The key was that I at least finished ahead of Seb and for me it doesn’t matter when you win the championship as long as you get it done," he said. "Ultimately we wanted to win the race today and I think going backwards two steps is not a good result but...you can’t win them all, you can’t always get them perfect."

Formula One: You can't win them all, says patient Hamilton

Lewis&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;took a big step towards clinching his fifth Formula One title after putting his Mercedes on pole position at the US&nbsp;Grand Prix on Saturday with Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel starting fifth.

The Briton, who will be only the third driver to win at least five titles if he scores eight points more than Vettel on Sunday, will share the front row with the German's Finnish teammate Kimi Raikkonen.

Vettel qualified second, and just 0.061 slower than&nbsp;Hamilton, but has a three-place grid drop after failing to slow sufficiently while red flags were being waved in Friday practice.

The pole was a record-extending 81st for&nbsp;Hamilton, his third in a row in Austin and ninth of the season and he did it with a time of one minute 32.237 seconds -- a track record.

"That was very important, that was close," said the Briton as he waved at the throng of fans on an overcast and gusty afternoon at the Circuit of the Americas with rainclouds gathering.

"Once we went into that last run, I knew it was quite edgy between us. It was going to require solid laps. The first one was decent but not good enough. The second one was just that little bit better.

"The Ferraris are obviously really quick."

Ferrari had looked the faster team in the second phase of qualifying, with Raikkonen top of the timesheets and Vettel second.

There was also very little between them in the final shootout, with the top three separated by less than a tenth of a second.

"After the weeks we had I'm pretty pleased we are back in range. Today has been surprisingly close, I don't think we expected it to be that close," commented Vettel, who vented his frustration over the team radio after crossing the line.

Verstappen Stopped

Vettel will have his work cut out on Sunday at a racetrack where&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;has won five times in the last six years. The Mercedes driver is also on a roll, with six wins in the last seven rounds.

Another win on Sunday would be&nbsp;Hamilton's fifth in a row, and Vettel -- also a four times world champion -- would have to finish second to keep the championship alive to Mexico the following weekend.

Hamilton's team mate Valtteri Bottas will share the second row with Red Bull's Australian Daniel Ricciardo and neither will be easy for Vettel to get past.

Ricciardo's team mate Max Verstappen would also have hoped to be in the mix but the young Dutch driver will start 13th after suffering suspension damage in the first phase of qualifying.

"Something broke," he exclaimed over the radio.

Force India's Esteban Ocon will start sixth, with Renault's Nico Hulkenberg seventh and Romain Grosjean in eighth place for Haas, Formula One's only US&nbsp;team.

Vettel's future Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc will line up ninth for Sauber while Force India's Mexican Sergio Perez, who has plenty of local support, qualified 10th.

Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne qualified last but will move up the grid thanks to engine penalties applied to the Toro Rossos of Pierre Gasly and Brendon Hartley, who will go to the back of the field.

Lewis Hamilton took a big step towards clinching his fifth Formula One title after putting his Mercedes on pole position at the US Grand Prix on Saturday with Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel starting fifth.

Lewis Hamilton took a big step towards clinching his fifth Formula One title after putting his Mercedes on pole position at the US Grand Prix on Saturday with Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel starting fifth. The Briton, who will be only the third driver to win at least five titles if he scores eight points more than Vettel on Sunday, will share the front row with the German's Finnish teammate Kimi Raikkonen. Vettel qualified second, and just 0.061 slower than Hamilton, but has a three-place grid drop after failing to slow sufficiently while red flags were being waved in Friday practice. The pole was a record-extending 81st for Hamilton, his third in a row in Austin and ninth of the season and he did it with a time of one minute 32.237 seconds -- a track record. "That was very important, that was close," said the Briton as he waved at the throng of fans on an overcast and gusty afternoon at the Circuit of the Americas with rainclouds gathering. "Once we went into that last run, I knew it was quite edgy between us. It was going to require solid laps. The first one was decent but not good enough. The second one was just that little bit better. "The Ferraris are obviously really quick." Ferrari had looked the faster team in the second phase of qualifying, with Raikkonen top of the timesheets and Vettel second. There was also very little between them in the final shootout, with the top three separated by less than a tenth of a second. "After the weeks we had I'm pretty pleased we are back in range. Today has been surprisingly close, I don't think we expected it to be that close," commented Vettel, who vented his frustration over the team radio after crossing the line. Verstappen Stopped Vettel will have his work cut out on Sunday at a racetrack where Hamilton has won five times in the last six years. The Mercedes driver is also on a roll, with six wins in the last seven rounds. Another win on Sunday would be Hamilton's fifth in a row, and Vettel -- also a four times world champion -- would have to finish second to keep the championship alive to Mexico the following weekend. Hamilton's team mate Valtteri Bottas will share the second row with Red Bull's Australian Daniel Ricciardo and neither will be easy for Vettel to get past. Ricciardo's team mate Max Verstappen would also have hoped to be in the mix but the young Dutch driver will start 13th after suffering suspension damage in the first phase of qualifying. "Something broke," he exclaimed over the radio. Force India's Esteban Ocon will start sixth, with Renault's Nico Hulkenberg seventh and Romain Grosjean in eighth place for Haas, Formula One's only US team. Vettel's future Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc will line up ninth for Sauber while Force India's Mexican Sergio Perez, who has plenty of local support, qualified 10th. Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne qualified last but will move up the grid thanks to engine penalties applied to the Toro Rossos of Pierre Gasly and Brendon Hartley, who will go to the back of the field.

Lewis Hamilton takes US pole with fifth title in sight

Ferrari's Sebastian&nbsp;Vettel&nbsp;will have a three-place grid penalty at Sunday's US&nbsp;Grand Prix, dealing a blow to his hopes of preventing Lewis Hamilton winning a fifth Formula One world championship.

Race stewards decided on the drop after&nbsp;Vettel&nbsp;had failed to slow sufficiently while red warning flags were waved in Friday's wet practice.

Britain's Hamilton leads&nbsp;Vettel&nbsp;by 67 points with four races remaining and the Mercedes driver will take the title on Sunday if he scores eight points more than the German.

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel will have a three-place grid penalty at Sunday's US Grand Prix, dealing a blow to his hopes of preventing Lewis Hamilton winning a fifth Formula One world championship.

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel will have a three-place grid penalty at Sunday's US Grand Prix, dealing a blow to his hopes of preventing Lewis Hamilton winning a fifth Formula One world championship. Race stewards decided on the drop after Vettel had failed to slow sufficiently while red warning flags were waved in Friday's wet practice. Britain's Hamilton leads Vettel by 67 points with four races remaining and the Mercedes driver will take the title on Sunday if he scores eight points more than the German.

Sebastian Vettel handed three-place grid drop for US Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton's former teammate Fernando Alonso hailed the Briton as a Formula One great on Thursday and said he was happy to see him stand on the brink of a fifth world championship.

The pair were fractious teammates at McLaren in Hamilton's 2007 debut season, with the youngster ending that campaign as runner-up and ahead of the double world champion Spaniard who then left.

"I'm happy for him because he showed the talent from day one," Alonso told reporters at the U.S. Grand Prix where Hamilton can seal the title if he scores eight points more than Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel.

"He was able to win races when the car was there to win it but he was able to win races in some of the seasons when the car was not in the top of the form, like 2009," he said.

"It's impressive -- and now it's time to enjoy for him, so I'm happy," added the Spaniard, who is bowing out of Formula One at the end of the year.

Hamilton will stand level with the late, great Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio if -- as seems inevitable -- he takes a fifth crown and becomes only the third driver to reach that mark. Germany's Michael Schumacher holds the record of seven.

Asked to list his top five world champions, Alonso -- regarded as one of the best of his era -- modestly declined to mention himself.

"Probably Michael, Fangio, (Ayrton) Senna, (Alain) Prost, Lewis, probably this will be the top five, probably, that come to my mind," he said.

"But it's difficult to compare different times and different ways to win those championships.

"Lewis winning five now and being the same as Fangio...it's a great achievement and if one had to do that in our generation, I'm happy that it's Lewis because he showed the talent and he showed the commitment."

Hamilton, who has won four races in a row and six of the last seven, refused to take anything for granted even if he is now 67 points clear of Vettel with four races -- worth a total 100 points -- remaining.

"As a team, none of us are saying how cool it would be if it happened this weekend or the next, we're not focussing on ifs. We're focussing on making sure that we deliver," he said.

"We can just never be complacent in life, and in a Championship as intense as this. We expect Ferrari to punch back hard here this weekend, so we can't be relaxed in any way, shape or form."

Lewis Hamilton's former teammate Fernando Alonso hailed the Briton as a Formula One great on Thursday and said he was happy to see him stand on the brink of a fifth world championship.

Lewis Hamilton's former teammate Fernando Alonso hailed the Briton as a Formula One great on Thursday and said he was happy to see him stand on the brink of a fifth world championship. The pair were fractious teammates at McLaren in Hamilton's 2007 debut season, with the youngster ending that campaign as runner-up and ahead of the double world champion Spaniard who then left. "I'm happy for him because he showed the talent from day one," Alonso told reporters at the U.S. Grand Prix where Hamilton can seal the title if he scores eight points more than Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel. "He was able to win races when the car was there to win it but he was able to win races in some of the seasons when the car was not in the top of the form, like 2009," he said. "It's impressive -- and now it's time to enjoy for him, so I'm happy," added the Spaniard, who is bowing out of Formula One at the end of the year. Hamilton will stand level with the late, great Argentine Juan Manuel Fangio if -- as seems inevitable -- he takes a fifth crown and becomes only the third driver to reach that mark. Germany's Michael Schumacher holds the record of seven. Asked to list his top five world champions, Alonso -- regarded as one of the best of his era -- modestly declined to mention himself. "Probably Michael, Fangio, (Ayrton) Senna, (Alain) Prost, Lewis, probably this will be the top five, probably, that come to my mind," he said. "But it's difficult to compare different times and different ways to win those championships. "Lewis winning five now and being the same as Fangio...it's a great achievement and if one had to do that in our generation, I'm happy that it's Lewis because he showed the talent and he showed the commitment." Hamilton, who has won four races in a row and six of the last seven, refused to take anything for granted even if he is now 67 points clear of Vettel with four races -- worth a total 100 points -- remaining. "As a team, none of us are saying how cool it would be if it happened this weekend or the next, we're not focussing on ifs. We're focussing on making sure that we deliver," he said. "We can just never be complacent in life, and in a Championship as intense as this. We expect Ferrari to punch back hard here this weekend, so we can't be relaxed in any way, shape or form."

Fernando Alonso hails Hamilton as one of the F1 greats

Sebastian Vettel recognised on Thursday that he and Ferrari had made mistakes this season but refused to single out the moment where his hopes of winning a fifth Formula One title ended.

The German is 67 points behind Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton, who can instead become a five-time champion in Texas on Sunday.

The Briton has won six of the last seven races, and is chasing a fifth in a row.

Asked at the US Grand Prix whether he accepted Mercedes had done a better job than Ferrari, Vettel was clear: "So far, yes. It's pretty obvious. You just have to look at the points.

"I should have done better. If you want to name one (race), then Hockenheim," he added.

"Maybe we should have done better, but overall we just didn't have enough races where we had the speed to dominate the weekend and put the car on pole and finish first."

Vettel, winner of five races so far this year, led at his home German Grand Prix at Hockenheim before skidding off a wet track and into the barriers. Hamilton went on to win.

The German's first retirement of the year cost him the championship lead at a crucial point but he questioned the significance of it.

"I am not a believer in this has been the turning point or the stars have been wrongly aligned and all this. I don't believe it," he said.

Hamilton will be champion if he scores eight points more than Vettel, something he has done for the past four races with Mercedes now chasing a hat-trick of one-two finishes.

"I don't think it's much point now to start thinking too much about what happened," said Vettel on the situation.

"I think it's still something that we have in our hands to change and that's what we look for."

Asked what his approach would be to the weekend, which promises to be wet and cold, Vettel said it was simple.

"We are quite some points behind, we focus on winning and then we see what the others are doing, so it's quite straightforward to be honest," he said.

"Generally I always try to win so I think you have to be aggressive to win. And of course you need to find the right balance so obviously you never try to do something silly or not to finish because that way you can't win," he said.

"I know what it takes, I know what to do...but for sure we know we need to take probably here or there a bit more risk because we are not in the position to manage the gap in the championship, because we don't have a gap."

Vettel said the previous race in Japan had helped Ferrari understand more about their car and hoped Austin could see a return to form.

Hamilton has won five of the six races held at the Circuit of the Americas, with Vettel the only other driver to triumph there -- with Red Bull in 2013.

Sebastian Vettel recognised on Thursday that he and Ferrari had made mistakes this season but refused to single out the moment where his hopes of winning a fifth Formula One title ended.

Sebastian Vettel recognised on Thursday that he and Ferrari had made mistakes this season but refused to single out the moment where his hopes of winning a fifth Formula One title ended. The German is 67 points behind Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton, who can instead become a five-time champion in Texas on Sunday. The Briton has won six of the last seven races, and is chasing a fifth in a row. Asked at the US Grand Prix whether he accepted Mercedes had done a better job than Ferrari, Vettel was clear: "So far, yes. It's pretty obvious. You just have to look at the points. "I should have done better. If you want to name one (race), then Hockenheim," he added. "Maybe we should have done better, but overall we just didn't have enough races where we had the speed to dominate the weekend and put the car on pole and finish first." Vettel, winner of five races so far this year, led at his home German Grand Prix at Hockenheim before skidding off a wet track and into the barriers. Hamilton went on to win. The German's first retirement of the year cost him the championship lead at a crucial point but he questioned the significance of it. "I am not a believer in this has been the turning point or the stars have been wrongly aligned and all this. I don't believe it," he said. Hamilton will be champion if he scores eight points more than Vettel, something he has done for the past four races with Mercedes now chasing a hat-trick of one-two finishes. "I don't think it's much point now to start thinking too much about what happened," said Vettel on the situation. "I think it's still something that we have in our hands to change and that's what we look for." Asked what his approach would be to the weekend, which promises to be wet and cold, Vettel said it was simple. "We are quite some points behind, we focus on winning and then we see what the others are doing, so it's quite straightforward to be honest," he said. "Generally I always try to win so I think you have to be aggressive to win. And of course you need to find the right balance so obviously you never try to do something silly or not to finish because that way you can't win," he said. "I know what it takes, I know what to do...but for sure we know we need to take probably here or there a bit more risk because we are not in the position to manage the gap in the championship, because we don't have a gap." Vettel said the previous race in Japan had helped Ferrari understand more about their car and hoped Austin could see a return to form. Hamilton has won five of the six races held at the Circuit of the Americas, with Vettel the only other driver to triumph there -- with Red Bull in 2013.

I should have done better, says Sebastian Vettel

When Michael Schumacher won his seventh Formula One world championship with Ferrari in 2004 it looked like a record for the ages, but Lewis&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;and Mercedes are forcing a rethink already.

The Briton stands on the brink of becoming only the third man to win at least five titles, with his team's stranglehold on both championships tighter than ever after he won Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix.

The 33-year-old has a contract until the end of 2020 and a teammate in Valtteri Bottas who has proved more beatable and acquiescent than predecessor and 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg.

A change of engine rules that might shake things up is not due until 2021, at the earliest.

"Let’s say you win this championship... Lewis wins another title, can he go to seven?" 1996 world champion Damon Hill asked Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff on Sky Sports television on Sunday, voicing the thoughts of many.

The Austrian's reply, while emphasising that nothing was being taken for granted, was revealing.

"I think it’s important to reinvent yourself and set new objectives," he said.

"And there is always the risk of complacency, that you are running out of targets... so we are setting ourselves ambitious targets."

Hamilton's record already bears comparison to Schumacher's, and in some areas exceeds the great German's achievements.

Saturday brought the Briton a record-extending 80th pole from 225 starts, compared to Schumacher's 68 in 307 races.

Sunday was&nbsp;Hamilton's 71st win, 20 short of the former Ferrari great's 91.

Hamilton&nbsp;has won nine races so far this season and looks likely to end the year in double figures. His 2014-17 average was 10 wins a year -- 11 in 2014, 10 in 2015 and 2016 and then nine last year.

Britain's most successful driver has 131 podium places since his debut in 2007, compared to Schumacher's 155.

Schumacher won 72 races with Ferrari between 1996 and 2006.&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;has won 50 with Mercedes in less than six seasons.

A more meaningful point of comparison, however, would be the years of dominance -- 2000-04 for Ferrari and 2014-18 for Mercedes.

There, the win figures are 49 for&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;(so far) and 48 for Schumacher but the percentage rate remains in the German's favour since there are now more races on the calendar. On podiums, Hamilton&nbsp;is ahead 77-66.

Hamilton&nbsp;has also matched or beaten Schumacher at key stages of his career, the German taking his first title with Benetton aged 25 whereas the Briton opened his account at McLaren as a 23-year-old.

Schumacher, whose January 3 birthday falls four days before&nbsp;Hamilton's, was also 33 when he celebrated his fifth championship in 2002 -- but he did it in France in July with six races to spare.

Hamilton, 67 points clear of Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel with four races to go, has his first chance to clinch title number five in Texas at the end of next week.

Nothing lasts forever but Mercedes will start 2019 more settled than those immediately below them in the pecking order, the only top team to field an unchanged lineup.

Error-prone Ferrari will be exchanging 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen for Monegasque youngster Charles Leclerc while Red Bull start a new partnership with Honda, whose engines have yet to match those of Mercedes or Ferrari.

Hamilton&nbsp;is in the form of his life, hungry for more and as motivated as ever. If Mercedes can keep providing him with a winning car, then comparisons with Schumacher will only become louder.

When Michael Schumacher won his seventh Formula One world championship with Ferrari in 2004 it looked like a record for the ages, but Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes are forcing a rethink already.

When Michael Schumacher won his seventh Formula One world championship with Ferrari in 2004 it looked like a record for the ages, but Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes are forcing a rethink already. The Briton stands on the brink of becoming only the third man to win at least five titles, with his team's stranglehold on both championships tighter than ever after he won Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix. The 33-year-old has a contract until the end of 2020 and a teammate in Valtteri Bottas who has proved more beatable and acquiescent than predecessor and 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg. A change of engine rules that might shake things up is not due until 2021, at the earliest. "Let’s say you win this championship... Lewis wins another title, can he go to seven?" 1996 world champion Damon Hill asked Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff on Sky Sports television on Sunday, voicing the thoughts of many. The Austrian's reply, while emphasising that nothing was being taken for granted, was revealing. "I think it’s important to reinvent yourself and set new objectives," he said. "And there is always the risk of complacency, that you are running out of targets... so we are setting ourselves ambitious targets." Hamilton's record already bears comparison to Schumacher's, and in some areas exceeds the great German's achievements. Saturday brought the Briton a record-extending 80th pole from 225 starts, compared to Schumacher's 68 in 307 races. Sunday was Hamilton's 71st win, 20 short of the former Ferrari great's 91. Hamilton has won nine races so far this season and looks likely to end the year in double figures. His 2014-17 average was 10 wins a year -- 11 in 2014, 10 in 2015 and 2016 and then nine last year. Britain's most successful driver has 131 podium places since his debut in 2007, compared to Schumacher's 155. Schumacher won 72 races with Ferrari between 1996 and 2006. Hamilton has won 50 with Mercedes in less than six seasons. A more meaningful point of comparison, however, would be the years of dominance -- 2000-04 for Ferrari and 2014-18 for Mercedes. There, the win figures are 49 for Hamilton (so far) and 48 for Schumacher but the percentage rate remains in the German's favour since there are now more races on the calendar. On podiums, Hamilton is ahead 77-66. Hamilton has also matched or beaten Schumacher at key stages of his career, the German taking his first title with Benetton aged 25 whereas the Briton opened his account at McLaren as a 23-year-old. Schumacher, whose January 3 birthday falls four days before Hamilton's, was also 33 when he celebrated his fifth championship in 2002 -- but he did it in France in July with six races to spare. Hamilton, 67 points clear of Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel with four races to go, has his first chance to clinch title number five in Texas at the end of next week. Nothing lasts forever but Mercedes will start 2019 more settled than those immediately below them in the pecking order, the only top team to field an unchanged lineup. Error-prone Ferrari will be exchanging 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen for Monegasque youngster Charles Leclerc while Red Bull start a new partnership with Honda, whose engines have yet to match those of Mercedes or Ferrari. Hamilton is in the form of his life, hungry for more and as motivated as ever. If Mercedes can keep providing him with a winning car, then comparisons with Schumacher will only become louder.

Lewis Hamilton is stepping into Michael Schumacher territory

Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has defended Sebastian Vettel after the Ferrari driver's title hopes effectively ended in Japan at the weekend.

"I feel the media need to show a little more respect for Sebastian," Hamilton wrote at the end of an Instagram story from a fashion show in Tokyo.

The Briton stands on the brink of securing his fifth championship after winning six of the past seven races for Mercedes to lead his German rival by 67 points with four races remaining.

Vettel tangled with Red Bull's Max Verstappen at Suzuka while trying to pass for third place, a collision that left him fighting back from 19th to sixth after starting eighth on the grid.

Both Ferrari and Vettel have been criticised for glaring strategy errors, such as selecting the wrong tyres in final qualifying in Japan, and a string of mistakes made on track in the heat of battle.

Italy's Autosprint magazine carried a cover this week showing Vettel and the headline 'Cavallino Mancante' (Missing Horse) - a play on Ferrari's familiar 'Cavallino Rampante' prancing stallion.

It described Ferrari as lost, lacklustre and victims of too many mistakes of their own making.

The Gazzetta dello Sport had also criticised Vettel as a driver "who learns nothing from mistakes".

"You simply cannot imagine how hard it is to do what we do at our level, for any athlete at the top of their game that is," said Hamilton.

"It is to be expected that being humans we will make mistakes but it is how we get through them that counts."

Vettel won the first two races in Australia and Bahrain and appeared to have the faster car for much of the first half of the season.

He made a big error in Germany, sliding into the barriers while leading on a slippery track, to put Hamilton back in front in July and the Mercedes driver has not looked back as Ferrari`s season unravelled.

The death of president Sergio Marchionne in July also came as a huge blow to the Italian team, who have not won a championship for a decade.

Others have pinpointed the lack of leaders with backgrounds in racing rather than sponsorship, senior management or marketing.

Since Hockenheim, Hamilton has taken 168 points from a maximum 175 available while Vettel, who won his four world championships with Red Bull, has managed only 93.&nbsp;

The Briton will become only the third driver to win five titles or more if he scores eight points more than Vettel in Texas next week.

"As was the case last year, in September and October Ferrari seems to have gone off the rails," commented Ross Brawn, Formula One's managing director for motorsport and a former Mercedes team boss as well as ex-Ferrari technical director.

"Having experienced many crises myself during my time with Ferrari, what I know is that this is the time to come together, stay united and look ahead, without resorting to recrimination and playing the blame game."

Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has defended Sebastian Vettel after the Ferrari driver's title hopes effectively ended in Japan at the weekend. "I feel the media need to show a little more respect for Sebastian," Hamilton wrote at the end of an Instagram story from a fashion show in Tokyo.

Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has defended Sebastian Vettel after the Ferrari driver's title hopes effectively ended in Japan at the weekend. "I feel the media need to show a little more respect for Sebastian," Hamilton wrote at the end of an Instagram story from a fashion show in Tokyo. The Briton stands on the brink of securing his fifth championship after winning six of the past seven races for Mercedes to lead his German rival by 67 points with four races remaining. Vettel tangled with Red Bull's Max Verstappen at Suzuka while trying to pass for third place, a collision that left him fighting back from 19th to sixth after starting eighth on the grid. Both Ferrari and Vettel have been criticised for glaring strategy errors, such as selecting the wrong tyres in final qualifying in Japan, and a string of mistakes made on track in the heat of battle. Italy's Autosprint magazine carried a cover this week showing Vettel and the headline 'Cavallino Mancante' (Missing Horse) - a play on Ferrari's familiar 'Cavallino Rampante' prancing stallion. It described Ferrari as lost, lacklustre and victims of too many mistakes of their own making. The Gazzetta dello Sport had also criticised Vettel as a driver "who learns nothing from mistakes". "You simply cannot imagine how hard it is to do what we do at our level, for any athlete at the top of their game that is," said Hamilton. "It is to be expected that being humans we will make mistakes but it is how we get through them that counts." Vettel won the first two races in Australia and Bahrain and appeared to have the faster car for much of the first half of the season. He made a big error in Germany, sliding into the barriers while leading on a slippery track, to put Hamilton back in front in July and the Mercedes driver has not looked back as Ferrari`s season unravelled. The death of president Sergio Marchionne in July also came as a huge blow to the Italian team, who have not won a championship for a decade. Others have pinpointed the lack of leaders with backgrounds in racing rather than sponsorship, senior management or marketing. Since Hockenheim, Hamilton has taken 168 points from a maximum 175 available while Vettel, who won his four world championships with Red Bull, has managed only 93. The Briton will become only the third driver to win five titles or more if he scores eight points more than Vettel in Texas next week. "As was the case last year, in September and October Ferrari seems to have gone off the rails," commented Ross Brawn, Formula One's managing director for motorsport and a former Mercedes team boss as well as ex-Ferrari technical director. "Having experienced many crises myself during my time with Ferrari, what I know is that this is the time to come together, stay united and look ahead, without resorting to recrimination and playing the blame game."

Formula One: Hamilton defends Vettel after criticism of mistakes

Lewis Hamilton won the Japanese Grand Prix in a Mercedes one-two on Sunday to take a 67-point lead in the Formula One championship and stand on the brink of a fifth title.

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, the Briton's closest rival, finished only sixth after an early collision with Red Bull's Max Verstappen left the German fighting back from 19th place in a damaged car.

Finland's Valtteri Bottas secured the Mercedes one-two with second place while Verstappen finished third despite collecting a five-second penalty.

If Hamilton wins the next race, the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin and one of his favourite tracks, the 33-year-old will be champion with three races to spare in case Vettel finishes lower than second.

"We've gone from strength to strength as a team this year. Austin is generally a good track for us and I can't wait to unleash this beast there," said Hamilton after leading every lap from pole position.

The victory was the 71st of his career, leaving him only 20 behind the record of seven times world champion Michael Schumacher.

Hamilton now has 331 points to Vettel's 264, while Mercedes lead Ferrari in the constructors' standings with 538 points to 460 for the Italians.

Vettel, who had started eighth after a failed tyre gamble in qualifying, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/sebastian-vettel-and-max-verstappen-collide-in-japan-169944">collided with Verstappen</a> while trying to pass on the inside for third place at the fast left-handed sweep of Suzuka's Spoon corner.

Vettel spun around and resumed at the back.

Stewards reviewed the incident and decided to take no further action.

Verstappen was already carrying a five-second penalty for earlier running wide and forcing Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen off the track and would have dropped behind Vettel anyway at the pitstops.

"The touch with Sebastian...in that corner you can't overtake. I even gave him space but he understeered into my car," said Verstappen.

Ferrari boss Maurizio Arrivabene said the podium had been within Ferrari's grasp.

"I know the situation looks impossible but our job is to challenge the impossible, this is what we are going to do in the next four races," added the Italian.

Lewis Hamilton won the Japanese Grand Prix in a Mercedes one-two on Sunday to take a 67-point lead in the Formula One championship and stand on the brink of a fifth title.

Lewis Hamilton won the Japanese Grand Prix in a Mercedes one-two on Sunday to take a 67-point lead in the Formula One championship and stand on the brink of a fifth title. Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, the Briton's closest rival, finished only sixth after an early collision with Red Bull's Max Verstappen left the German fighting back from 19th place in a damaged car. Finland's Valtteri Bottas secured the Mercedes one-two with second place while Verstappen finished third despite collecting a five-second penalty. If Hamilton wins the next race, the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin and one of his favourite tracks, the 33-year-old will be champion with three races to spare in case Vettel finishes lower than second. "We've gone from strength to strength as a team this year. Austin is generally a good track for us and I can't wait to unleash this beast there," said Hamilton after leading every lap from pole position. The victory was the 71st of his career, leaving him only 20 behind the record of seven times world champion Michael Schumacher. Hamilton now has 331 points to Vettel's 264, while Mercedes lead Ferrari in the constructors' standings with 538 points to 460 for the Italians. Vettel, who had started eighth after a failed tyre gamble in qualifying, collided with Verstappen while trying to pass on the inside for third place at the fast left-handed sweep of Suzuka's Spoon corner. Vettel spun around and resumed at the back. Stewards reviewed the incident and decided to take no further action. Verstappen was already carrying a five-second penalty for earlier running wide and forcing Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen off the track and would have dropped behind Vettel anyway at the pitstops. "The touch with Sebastian...in that corner you can't overtake. I even gave him space but he understeered into my car," said Verstappen. Ferrari boss Maurizio Arrivabene said the podium had been within Ferrari's grasp. "I know the situation looks impossible but our job is to challenge the impossible, this is what we are going to do in the next four races," added the Italian.

Lewis Hamilton wins in Japan, Vettel sixth

Formula One championship leader Lewis Hamilton completed a practice clean sweep in his Mercedes, setting the pacein the final hour of track action ahead of qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix.

The Briton, who had dominated Friday's opening day of practice, lapped the 5.8-kilometre long Suzuka circuit in one minute, 29.599 seconds in a session that saw an early drizzle and gusty winds.

Hamilton's championship rival Sebastian Vettel was second fastest for Ferrari.

The German, trailling Hamilton by 50 points in the overall standings after the Briton won five of the last six races, had been nearly a second adrift of his rival's best on Friday, but closed that gap to 0.116 seconds on Saturday.

Kimi Raikkonen followed his Ferrari team-mate in third ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas of Mercedes, who was 0.823 seconds off team-mate Hamilton's pace.

Daniel Ricciardo was sixth for Red Bull ahead of Esteban Ocon who swept 'best of the rest' honours for the third successive session in his Force India.

His team-mate Sergio Perez was eighth ahead of Renault's Carlos Sainz.

Kevin Magnussen, who celebrated his 26th birthday on Friday, rounded out the top-10 in his Haas.

Saturday's final practice session was interrupted by an early drizzle, with teams choosing not to risk running on the damp track after an early flurry of laps.

But with the sun shining, the track dried out enough to allow the cars back out on slick tyres with a little under 30 minutes remaining, even if the drivers still had to cope with gusting winds.

The session was largely uneventful except for a few incidents of drivers going off track as they sought to tease traction from the drying surface.

The biggest incident was a crash for Nico Hulkenberg two minutes before the chequered flag that brought out the red flags and ended the session. The German walked away unhurt.

Formula One championship leader Lewis Hamilton completed a practice clean sweep in his Mercedes, setting the pacein the final hour of track action ahead of qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix.

Formula One championship leader Lewis Hamilton completed a practice clean sweep in his Mercedes, setting the pacein the final hour of track action ahead of qualifying for the Japanese Grand Prix. The Briton, who had dominated Friday's opening day of practice, lapped the 5.8-kilometre long Suzuka circuit in one minute, 29.599 seconds in a session that saw an early drizzle and gusty winds. Hamilton's championship rival Sebastian Vettel was second fastest for Ferrari. The German, trailling Hamilton by 50 points in the overall standings after the Briton won five of the last six races, had been nearly a second adrift of his rival's best on Friday, but closed that gap to 0.116 seconds on Saturday. Kimi Raikkonen followed his Ferrari team-mate in third ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas of Mercedes, who was 0.823 seconds off team-mate Hamilton's pace. Daniel Ricciardo was sixth for Red Bull ahead of Esteban Ocon who swept 'best of the rest' honours for the third successive session in his Force India. His team-mate Sergio Perez was eighth ahead of Renault's Carlos Sainz. Kevin Magnussen, who celebrated his 26th birthday on Friday, rounded out the top-10 in his Haas. Saturday's final practice session was interrupted by an early drizzle, with teams choosing not to risk running on the damp track after an early flurry of laps. But with the sun shining, the track dried out enough to allow the cars back out on slick tyres with a little under 30 minutes remaining, even if the drivers still had to cope with gusting winds. The session was largely uneventful except for a few incidents of drivers going off track as they sought to tease traction from the drying surface. The biggest incident was a crash for Nico Hulkenberg two minutes before the chequered flag that brought out the red flags and ended the session. The German walked away unhurt.

Lewis Hamilton completes practice clean sweep

Sebastian Vettel may need to rely on a stroke of luck at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday if the German wants to keep alive his diminishing hopes of claiming a fifth Formula One title.

Even victory at Suzuka may be a case of "too little, too late" for the Ferrari driver, with Lewis Hamilton sitting 50 points clear and just five races remaining.

The simple mathematics mean the Briton, who has won five of the last six races for Mercedes, including Russia last weekend, does not even need to register another victory this season to claim a fifth world title of his own.

"Maybe the next couple of tracks are better suited for us, we will know when we get there," said Vettel, who has five wins to Hamilton`s eight this year and finished third in

Sochi and at the previous grand prix in Singapore.

"We need to keep pushing and try. Who knows what will happen in the next races.

"It takes one DNF (did not finish) and then all of a sudden things look different," he told reporters after Sochi. "Ideally two -- which I`m not wishing on Lewis but you never know what happens."

Ferrari team boss Maurizio Arrivabene likened the sweeping, high-speed Suzuka circuit to Silverstone, the British Grand Prix venue where then-championship leader Vettel won in July.

"If it goes well, we will know that, despite the difficult situation in terms of the classification, we still have the right tools with which to fight all the way to the very end," the

Italian said.

Even then, there remains a sense that Ferrari are simply clutching at straws.

RED BULL ASSISTANCE

Hamilton won in Japan last year, while Vettel failed to finish, with Red Bull`s Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo claiming second and third.

This time, Vettel will be hoping the Red Bulls can get back into the mix to his advantage.

The former champions showed impressive speed in Russia, despite engine penalties dropping the cars to the back of the grid, with Verstappen climbing up from 19th to the race lead until a late pit stop saw him finish a creditable fifth.&nbsp;

Although Suzuka is expected to again suit the Red Bulls, Mercedes have won the last four races in Japan, three courtesy of Hamilton, and will be favourites to extend that run.

It is a position the German team have enjoyed for most of the season yet once again they are taking nothing for granted.

"Suzuka will be another challenging weekend for us," declared Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff, whose team are 53 points clear of Ferrari in the constructors` standings.

"It`s a track that shows some similarities to Silverstone, where we didn`t perform as strongly this year as we had done in previous seasons.

"So we`re going to Japan knowing that we all have to be at our very best if we want to claim the win."

Sunday's race could also mark a happier home coming for Honda, after the difficult McLaren years, as engine partners to Toro Rosso.

The Japanese manufacturer also absorbed engine penalties in Russia to position themselves better with an upgraded power unit for their home race.

Sebastian Vettel may need to rely on a stroke of luck at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday if the German wants to keep alive his diminishing hopes of claiming a fifth Formula One title.

Sebastian Vettel may need to rely on a stroke of luck at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday if the German wants to keep alive his diminishing hopes of claiming a fifth Formula One title. Even victory at Suzuka may be a case of "too little, too late" for the Ferrari driver, with Lewis Hamilton sitting 50 points clear and just five races remaining. The simple mathematics mean the Briton, who has won five of the last six races for Mercedes, including Russia last weekend, does not even need to register another victory this season to claim a fifth world title of his own. "Maybe the next couple of tracks are better suited for us, we will know when we get there," said Vettel, who has five wins to Hamilton`s eight this year and finished third in Sochi and at the previous grand prix in Singapore. "We need to keep pushing and try. Who knows what will happen in the next races. "It takes one DNF (did not finish) and then all of a sudden things look different," he told reporters after Sochi. "Ideally two -- which I`m not wishing on Lewis but you never know what happens." Ferrari team boss Maurizio Arrivabene likened the sweeping, high-speed Suzuka circuit to Silverstone, the British Grand Prix venue where then-championship leader Vettel won in July. "If it goes well, we will know that, despite the difficult situation in terms of the classification, we still have the right tools with which to fight all the way to the very end," the Italian said. Even then, there remains a sense that Ferrari are simply clutching at straws. RED BULL ASSISTANCE Hamilton won in Japan last year, while Vettel failed to finish, with Red Bull`s Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo claiming second and third. This time, Vettel will be hoping the Red Bulls can get back into the mix to his advantage. The former champions showed impressive speed in Russia, despite engine penalties dropping the cars to the back of the grid, with Verstappen climbing up from 19th to the race lead until a late pit stop saw him finish a creditable fifth. Although Suzuka is expected to again suit the Red Bulls, Mercedes have won the last four races in Japan, three courtesy of Hamilton, and will be favourites to extend that run. It is a position the German team have enjoyed for most of the season yet once again they are taking nothing for granted. "Suzuka will be another challenging weekend for us," declared Mercedes F1 boss Toto Wolff, whose team are 53 points clear of Ferrari in the constructors` standings. "It`s a track that shows some similarities to Silverstone, where we didn`t perform as strongly this year as we had done in previous seasons. "So we`re going to Japan knowing that we all have to be at our very best if we want to claim the win." Sunday's race could also mark a happier home coming for Honda, after the difficult McLaren years, as engine partners to Toro Rosso. The Japanese manufacturer also absorbed engine penalties in Russia to position themselves better with an upgraded power unit for their home race.

Motor Racing: Vettel needs Suzuka surprise to stay in title race

Team by team analysis of Sunday's Russian Grand Prix (listed in championship order): 
&nbsp; 
MERCEDES (Lewis Hamilton 1, Valtteri Bottas 2)

Hamilton's eighth win of the season, career 70th and third in Russia. The gap between him and Vettel is now 50 points. Bottas started on pole and led until being told to let Hamilton overtake. He has now been second six times this year. Mercedes increased their constructors' lead to 53 points. The team have won every Russian Grand Prix to date (since 2014). 
- 
FERRARI (Sebastian Vettel 3, Kimi Raikkonen 4)&nbsp;

Vettel got ahead of Hamilton thanks to an earlier pitstop but the Briton overtook him again on track, accusing his rival of moving twice to defend. The stewards decided to take no further action. The German had also qualified third. Raikkonen had a lonely race, ending in the same place he started. 
 
RED BULL (Max Verstappen 5, Daniel Ricciardo 6)

Verstappen started in 19th place but led for much of the race after charging through the field and as others pitted. He eventually came in for fresh tyres with 10 laps to go. Ricciardo lined up 18th, also due to engine penalties, but was hampered by a debris-damaged front wing that was replaced at his stop.

RENAULT (Nico Hulkenberg 12, Carlos Sainz 17)

No points for Renault, who saw rivals Haas close the gap. Sainz was hit by a Williams at the start, damaging his car's floor and side. The Spaniard felt the car was almost undriveable. Hulkenberg had a clean race and ran as high as seventh before dropping back after pitting. 
 
HAAS (Kevin Magnussen 8, Romain Grosjean 11)

Magnussen made the most of qualifying fifth, his points helping to close the gap on Renault to 11. Grosjean started ninth and just missed out. Both drivers had their contracts renewed over the weekend.&nbsp;

MCLAREN (Fernando Alonso 14, Stoffel Vandoorne 16)&nbsp;

No points for McLaren, who are now 22 behind Haas with Force India still a threat. Both drivers did one stop races with few overtaking opportunities or battles. 
 
FORCE INDIA (Esteban Ocon 9, Sergio Perez 10)&nbsp;

Ocon and Perez swapped positions in a bid to get past Magnussen and then swapped back again when it became apparent they could not do so. Ocon lost out to Leclerc early on.&nbsp; 
 
TORO ROSSO (Pierre Gasly and Brendon Hartley retired)

Both drivers retired early with front brake problems, with a piston in the calipers getting stuck and causing brake fluid to overheat. Gasly spun off at turn four on lap three, Hartley spun at turn two. On the plus side, Honda`s upgraded engine appeared to be working well. 
 
SAUBER (Charles Leclerc 7, Marcus Ericsson 13)

Leclerc added six more points to an already impressive season for the future Ferrari driver. He had also started seventh. Ericsson started 10th but fell foul of traffic.&nbsp; 
 
WILLIAMS (Lance Stroll 15, Sergey Sirotkin 18)

Another frustrating afternoon for Williams and Russia`s only current driver.

Team by team analysis of Sunday's Russian Grand Prix (listed in championship order): MERCEDES (Lewis Hamilton 1, Valtteri Bottas 2) Hamilton's eighth win of the season, career 70th and third in Russia.

Team by team analysis of Sunday's Russian Grand Prix (listed in championship order): MERCEDES (Lewis Hamilton 1, Valtteri Bottas 2) Hamilton's eighth win of the season, career 70th and third in Russia. The gap between him and Vettel is now 50 points. Bottas started on pole and led until being told to let Hamilton overtake. He has now been second six times this year. Mercedes increased their constructors' lead to 53 points. The team have won every Russian Grand Prix to date (since 2014). - FERRARI (Sebastian Vettel 3, Kimi Raikkonen 4) Vettel got ahead of Hamilton thanks to an earlier pitstop but the Briton overtook him again on track, accusing his rival of moving twice to defend. The stewards decided to take no further action. The German had also qualified third. Raikkonen had a lonely race, ending in the same place he started. RED BULL (Max Verstappen 5, Daniel Ricciardo 6) Verstappen started in 19th place but led for much of the race after charging through the field and as others pitted. He eventually came in for fresh tyres with 10 laps to go. Ricciardo lined up 18th, also due to engine penalties, but was hampered by a debris-damaged front wing that was replaced at his stop. RENAULT (Nico Hulkenberg 12, Carlos Sainz 17) No points for Renault, who saw rivals Haas close the gap. Sainz was hit by a Williams at the start, damaging his car's floor and side. The Spaniard felt the car was almost undriveable. Hulkenberg had a clean race and ran as high as seventh before dropping back after pitting. HAAS (Kevin Magnussen 8, Romain Grosjean 11) Magnussen made the most of qualifying fifth, his points helping to close the gap on Renault to 11. Grosjean started ninth and just missed out. Both drivers had their contracts renewed over the weekend. MCLAREN (Fernando Alonso 14, Stoffel Vandoorne 16) No points for McLaren, who are now 22 behind Haas with Force India still a threat. Both drivers did one stop races with few overtaking opportunities or battles. FORCE INDIA (Esteban Ocon 9, Sergio Perez 10) Ocon and Perez swapped positions in a bid to get past Magnussen and then swapped back again when it became apparent they could not do so. Ocon lost out to Leclerc early on. TORO ROSSO (Pierre Gasly and Brendon Hartley retired) Both drivers retired early with front brake problems, with a piston in the calipers getting stuck and causing brake fluid to overheat. Gasly spun off at turn four on lap three, Hartley spun at turn two. On the plus side, Honda`s upgraded engine appeared to be working well. SAUBER (Charles Leclerc 7, Marcus Ericsson 13) Leclerc added six more points to an already impressive season for the future Ferrari driver. He had also started seventh. Ericsson started 10th but fell foul of traffic. WILLIAMS (Lance Stroll 15, Sergey Sirotkin 18) Another frustrating afternoon for Williams and Russia`s only current driver.

Motor Racing: Team by team analysis of the Russian Grand Prix

Sebastian Vettel admitted he did not see Lewis Hamilton in his Ferrari mirrors when the pair battled for position during a classic mid-race scrap in Sunday’s Russian Grand Prix.

The four-time champion German was accused of performing a double-defensive move by the Mercedes driver as he blocked Hamilton to stop him passing.

"I didn't see him and I wasn't sure where he was," said Vettel, who finished third behind the triumphant Hamilton and his Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas.

"I saw he was on the outside and I needed to give him room even if I didn't want to – so it was fair, it remained fair, but he got past..."

Hamilton had complained that the move was not fair.

"Ultimately, for me, he did move over to the inside and moved again and he nearly put me in the wall.

"I thought it was a double-move, but the race stewards didn't see it that way."

A stewards' investigation decided the tussle was a normal racing incident and no further action was needed.

Hamilton reacted to the incident with another on-track attack that saw him swoop by on the inside.

"I think everyone had the same pace, but we managed the tyres differently," said Vettel.

"I tried to put pressure on Valtteri, when I was behind, but I couldn't get close enough, and then, when he backed off and lost 1.5 seconds, I had a tiny lock-up and Lewis had new tyres...Mine were only a lap old.

"I think we were close, but it's not what we wanted."

Vettel added: "It was tricky. They worked well together and, at the start, I had nowhere to go.

"Then, we surprised them with a good out-lap (after his pit stop) and I managed to jump Lewis and Valtteri. Lewis was close, but then we nearly had a run-in..."

A subdued Hamilton, unhappy to win with the assistance of team tactics as Bottas was asked to move aside and allow him to pass, added that he felt lucky to have escaped an accident with Vettel.

"Fortunately, I was able to get out of it. I don't know how we ended up in that place, but that's what happened."

Sebastian Vettel admitted he did not see Lewis Hamilton in his Ferrari mirrors when the pair battled for position during a classic mid-race scrap in Sunday’s Russian Grand Prix.

Sebastian Vettel admitted he did not see Lewis Hamilton in his Ferrari mirrors when the pair battled for position during a classic mid-race scrap in Sunday’s Russian Grand Prix. The four-time champion German was accused of performing a double-defensive move by the Mercedes driver as he blocked Hamilton to stop him passing. "I didn't see him and I wasn't sure where he was," said Vettel, who finished third behind the triumphant Hamilton and his Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas. "I saw he was on the outside and I needed to give him room even if I didn't want to – so it was fair, it remained fair, but he got past..." Hamilton had complained that the move was not fair. "Ultimately, for me, he did move over to the inside and moved again and he nearly put me in the wall. "I thought it was a double-move, but the race stewards didn't see it that way." A stewards' investigation decided the tussle was a normal racing incident and no further action was needed. Hamilton reacted to the incident with another on-track attack that saw him swoop by on the inside. "I think everyone had the same pace, but we managed the tyres differently," said Vettel. "I tried to put pressure on Valtteri, when I was behind, but I couldn't get close enough, and then, when he backed off and lost 1.5 seconds, I had a tiny lock-up and Lewis had new tyres...Mine were only a lap old. "I think we were close, but it's not what we wanted." Vettel added: "It was tricky. They worked well together and, at the start, I had nowhere to go. "Then, we surprised them with a good out-lap (after his pit stop) and I managed to jump Lewis and Valtteri. Lewis was close, but then we nearly had a run-in..." A subdued Hamilton, unhappy to win with the assistance of team tactics as Bottas was asked to move aside and allow him to pass, added that he felt lucky to have escaped an accident with Vettel. "Fortunately, I was able to get out of it. I don't know how we ended up in that place, but that's what happened."

Sebastian Vettel 'did not see' Hamilton during mid-race battle

Lewis Hamilton increased his lead in this year's drivers' world championship to 50 points when he claimed an accomplished victory, aided by Mercedes team tactics, in Sunday's Russian Grand Prix.

The defending four-time champion, who started second on the grid, was helped again by Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, who allowed him to overtake and then defended him from attack by title rival Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari, as he battled to finish second.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who sat next to former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone after a late arrival at the Sochi Autodrom, saw the Briton make the most of Mercedes' strategy and a thrilling passing move on Vettel in what was an intriguing contest.&nbsp;

Bottas had started on pole and was unhappy at being asked to obey team orders that deprived him of a possible victory as he came home 2.5 seconds behind Hamilton, who looked sheepish about it all after the race.&nbsp;

Vettel finished third in the race and the German saw Hamilton extend his lead over him in the standings.

It was Hamilton's third win in Russia, his fifth in six races and the 70th of his career, confirming he has the momentum to clinch a fifth title triumph with five races remaining.

Kimi Raikkonen finished fourth for Ferrari ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen who marked his 21st birthday with a rousing drive, including a spell as race leader, from 19th on the grid.

Renault-bound Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo and Ferrari-bound Charles Leclerc of Sauber filled the next placings.

Kevin Magnussen finished eighth for Haas ahead of job-hunting Frenchman Esteban Ocon and his Force India team-mate Sergio Perez.

Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff left the luckless Bottas with no choice, but he tried to comfort the Finn afterwards.&nbsp;

"Valtteri, this is Toto – a difficult day for you, difficult for us – let's get together and discuss it later," Wolff said.

Lewis Hamilton increased his lead in this year's drivers' world championship to 50 points when he claimed an accomplished victory, aided by Mercedes team tactics, in Sunday's Russian Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton increased his lead in this year's drivers' world championship to 50 points when he claimed an accomplished victory, aided by Mercedes team tactics, in Sunday's Russian Grand Prix. The defending four-time champion, who started second on the grid, was helped again by Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, who allowed him to overtake and then defended him from attack by title rival Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari, as he battled to finish second. Russian President Vladimir Putin, who sat next to former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone after a late arrival at the Sochi Autodrom, saw the Briton make the most of Mercedes' strategy and a thrilling passing move on Vettel in what was an intriguing contest. Bottas had started on pole and was unhappy at being asked to obey team orders that deprived him of a possible victory as he came home 2.5 seconds behind Hamilton, who looked sheepish about it all after the race. Vettel finished third in the race and the German saw Hamilton extend his lead over him in the standings. It was Hamilton's third win in Russia, his fifth in six races and the 70th of his career, confirming he has the momentum to clinch a fifth title triumph with five races remaining. Kimi Raikkonen finished fourth for Ferrari ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen who marked his 21st birthday with a rousing drive, including a spell as race leader, from 19th on the grid. Renault-bound Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo and Ferrari-bound Charles Leclerc of Sauber filled the next placings. Kevin Magnussen finished eighth for Haas ahead of job-hunting Frenchman Esteban Ocon and his Force India team-mate Sergio Perez. Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff left the luckless Bottas with no choice, but he tried to comfort the Finn afterwards. "Valtteri, this is Toto – a difficult day for you, difficult for us – let's get together and discuss it later," Wolff said.

Lewis Hamilton wins in Russia to extend lead in title race

Valtteri Bottas of Finland (Mercedes) claimed pole position for the Russian Grand Prix on Saturday, his second pole of the 2018 Formula One season, ahead of British teammate Lewis Hamilton and Germany's&nbsp;(Ferrari).

Bottas finished the qualifying round for Sunday's race with a time of one minute and 31.387 seconds, 0.145 seconds faster than 2018 championship leader Hamilton and 0.556 ahead of Vettel.

Bottas started from pole at the Austrian Grand Prix in July, but did not finish due to a hydraulic problem.

Hamilton, despite a small mistake that cost him pole, set his own record and posted his fastest lap in the Sochi Autodrom circuit with a time of one minute and 31.532 seconds.

Ferrari's other driver, Kimi Raikkonen of Finland, will start Sunday's race from the second row alongside Vettel, having finished the qualifying round in fourth place with a time of one minute and 32.237 seconds.

Hamilton has a 40-point lead over Vettel in the overall standings.

Valtteri Bottas of Finland (Mercedes) claimed pole position for the Russian Grand Prix on Saturday, his second pole of the 2018 Formula One season, ahead of British teammate Lewis Hamilton and Germany's (Ferrari).

Valtteri Bottas of Finland (Mercedes) claimed pole position for the Russian Grand Prix on Saturday, his second pole of the 2018 Formula One season, ahead of British teammate Lewis Hamilton and Germany's (Ferrari). Bottas finished the qualifying round for Sunday's race with a time of one minute and 31.387 seconds, 0.145 seconds faster than 2018 championship leader Hamilton and 0.556 ahead of Vettel. Bottas started from pole at the Austrian Grand Prix in July, but did not finish due to a hydraulic problem. Hamilton, despite a small mistake that cost him pole, set his own record and posted his fastest lap in the Sochi Autodrom circuit with a time of one minute and 31.532 seconds. Ferrari's other driver, Kimi Raikkonen of Finland, will start Sunday's race from the second row alongside Vettel, having finished the qualifying round in fourth place with a time of one minute and 32.237 seconds. Hamilton has a 40-point lead over Vettel in the overall standings.

Bottas claims second pole in 2018 ahead of Hamilton, Vettel at Russian GP

Championship leader Lewis Hamilton topped the times in record fashion as he and Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas dominated the third and final practice for Sunday’s Russian Grand Prix.

The Mercedes men delivered a convincing one-two on a bright sunlit morning by the Black Sea where Ferrari again struggled to keep pace with the Silver Arrows.

Britain's defending four-time world champion, who leads Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel by 40 points in this year’s title race, stormed to a fastest lap in one minute and 33.067 seconds - an outright lap record for the Sochi Autodrom.

This left team-mate Bottas trailing by nearly three-tenths of a second and Vettel, down in third, by six-tenths with the Sauber-bound Kimi Raikkonen taking fourth in the second Ferrari.

Dutchman Max Verstappen, who celebrates his 21st birthday on Sunday, was fifth for Red Bull ahead of team-mate Daniel Ricciardo and Ferrari-bound Monegasque prodigy Charles Leclerc of Sauber.

Frenchman Esteman Ocon, who is expected to lose his seat at Force India despite a highly-promising season, was eighth ahead of Kevin Magnussen of Haas and Sergio Perez, in the second Force India.

The session followed confirmation from Toro Rosso that local hero Daniil Kvyat had been re-signed by the team for next season. It will be the Russian's third spell with the team.

Current Toro Rosso driver, Frenchman Pierre Gasly, is moving to replace Renault-bound Ricciardo at Red Bull.

"Toro Rosso has always made me feel at home and I'm sure it will still be the same next season," said Kvyatt, who has been released by Ferrari where he was hired as a development driver.

Championship leader Lewis Hamilton topped the times in record fashion as he and Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas dominated the third and final practice for Sunday’s Russian Grand Prix.

Championship leader Lewis Hamilton topped the times in record fashion as he and Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas dominated the third and final practice for Sunday’s Russian Grand Prix. The Mercedes men delivered a convincing one-two on a bright sunlit morning by the Black Sea where Ferrari again struggled to keep pace with the Silver Arrows. Britain's defending four-time world champion, who leads Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel by 40 points in this year’s title race, stormed to a fastest lap in one minute and 33.067 seconds - an outright lap record for the Sochi Autodrom. This left team-mate Bottas trailing by nearly three-tenths of a second and Vettel, down in third, by six-tenths with the Sauber-bound Kimi Raikkonen taking fourth in the second Ferrari. Dutchman Max Verstappen, who celebrates his 21st birthday on Sunday, was fifth for Red Bull ahead of team-mate Daniel Ricciardo and Ferrari-bound Monegasque prodigy Charles Leclerc of Sauber. Frenchman Esteman Ocon, who is expected to lose his seat at Force India despite a highly-promising season, was eighth ahead of Kevin Magnussen of Haas and Sergio Perez, in the second Force India. The session followed confirmation from Toro Rosso that local hero Daniil Kvyat had been re-signed by the team for next season. It will be the Russian's third spell with the team. Current Toro Rosso driver, Frenchman Pierre Gasly, is moving to replace Renault-bound Ricciardo at Red Bull. "Toro Rosso has always made me feel at home and I'm sure it will still be the same next season," said Kvyatt, who has been released by Ferrari where he was hired as a development driver.

Record-setting Hamilton tops Sochi practice session

With six races left in the 2018 Formula 1 season, Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) looks close to clinching his fifth driver's championship.

If he were to win, the Briton, who leads the closest competitor Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) by 40 points, would match Argentine driver Juan Manuel Fangio, who won five championships from 1951-1957.

Hamilton took the crown in 2008, 2014, 2015 and 2017.

When the season ends Nov. 25 with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Hamilton hopes to have won a sixth championship, which would place him near legendary driver Michael Schumacher, seven-time world champion.

Schumacher's compatriot Vettel, also with four titles to his credit, is likewise seeking to go down in history as one of the world's greatest drivers.

The focus at Sunday's Russian Grand Prix in Sochi will once again be the Hamilton-Vettel - and therefore the Mercedes-Ferrari - duel.

With four wins in the last five races, the English driver seems confident of clinching his fifth championship.

Even though Hamilton has a "healthy advantage," Mercedes team director Toto Wolff said that "there is still a long way to go."

In the next two months, racing activities will move from Russia to Abu Dhabi, with several stops in Japan, the United States, Mexico and Brazil.

"We showed an excellent performance in Singapore and the victory was a fantastic reward for all the hard work that had gone into it," Wolff said this week.

"But it also reinforced another point: there are no easy wins this season," the team director added.

"We have to fight hard for every bit of performance in order to have a chance to fight for victories. This fight will continue in Russia," he said.

A Mercedes driver has won each of the four previous GP races in Russia: Hamilton (2014, 2015), Nico Rosberg (2016) and Valtteri Bottas (2017).

With six races left in the 2018 Formula 1 season, Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) looks close to clinching his fifth driver's championship. If he were to win, the Briton, who leads the closest competitor Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) by 40 points, would match Argentine driver Juan Manuel Fangio, who won five championships from 1951-1957.

With six races left in the 2018 Formula 1 season, Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) looks close to clinching his fifth driver's championship. If he were to win, the Briton, who leads the closest competitor Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari) by 40 points, would match Argentine driver Juan Manuel Fangio, who won five championships from 1951-1957. Hamilton took the crown in 2008, 2014, 2015 and 2017. When the season ends Nov. 25 with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Hamilton hopes to have won a sixth championship, which would place him near legendary driver Michael Schumacher, seven-time world champion. Schumacher's compatriot Vettel, also with four titles to his credit, is likewise seeking to go down in history as one of the world's greatest drivers. The focus at Sunday's Russian Grand Prix in Sochi will once again be the Hamilton-Vettel - and therefore the Mercedes-Ferrari - duel. With four wins in the last five races, the English driver seems confident of clinching his fifth championship. Even though Hamilton has a "healthy advantage," Mercedes team director Toto Wolff said that "there is still a long way to go." In the next two months, racing activities will move from Russia to Abu Dhabi, with several stops in Japan, the United States, Mexico and Brazil. "We showed an excellent performance in Singapore and the victory was a fantastic reward for all the hard work that had gone into it," Wolff said this week. "But it also reinforced another point: there are no easy wins this season," the team director added. "We have to fight hard for every bit of performance in order to have a chance to fight for victories. This fight will continue in Russia," he said. A Mercedes driver has won each of the four previous GP races in Russia: Hamilton (2014, 2015), Nico Rosberg (2016) and Valtteri Bottas (2017).

Lewis Hamilton closes in on 5th Formula 1 title

Lewis Hamilton on Wednesday announced that he is close to signing a new Mercedes contract after winning Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix.&nbsp

In the aftermath of his dominant triumph, the defending four-time world champion indicated he will soon be inking a long-awaited new deal with the champions.&nbsp

As per reports, the announcement is now expected to be made during the Monaco Grand Prix.

"All the bosses have been here and l don't think there is anyone in the hierarchy who has any concerns," said Hamilton.

"We do talk about it and we are not far away from finishing things. It will happen - hopefully in the near future," he added.

It had been rumoured that he was reluctant to sign a new contract because he feared losing enjoyment of the racing and had reservations about the sport's future direction under new American owners Liberty Media.

But after securing his 64th career win in majestic fashion he said: "If I keep this feeling then I'm going to be racing for a long time!" 
&nbsp

The defending four-time world champion indicated he will soon be inking a long-awaited new deal

Lewis Hamilton on Wednesday announced that he is close to signing a new Mercedes contract after winning Sunday's Spanish Grand Prix. In the aftermath of his dominant triumph, the defending four-time world champion indicated he will soon be inking a long-awaited new deal with the champions. As per reports, the announcement is now expected to be made during the Monaco Grand Prix. "All the bosses have been here and l don't think there is anyone in the hierarchy who has any concerns," said Hamilton. "We do talk about it and we are not far away from finishing things. It will happen - hopefully in the near future," he added. It had been rumoured that he was reluctant to sign a new contract because he feared losing enjoyment of the racing and had reservations about the sport's future direction under new American owners Liberty Media. But after securing his 64th career win in majestic fashion he said: "If I keep this feeling then I'm going to be racing for a long time!"

Lewis Hamilton close to signing 'long-awaited' new Mercedes deal

Mercedes on Tuesday offered an explanation for the delay in signing a fresh contract with Lewis Hamilton, saying both parties wanted to focus on improving the Formula One team's car.

The four times world champion and Mercedes have been talking about a lucrative new deal since last year.&nbsp;

However, there have been regular assurances that it is on the point of being signed.

There were reports that something would be done before the start of the season in March, but five races have gone by and there is still no announcement.

The Briton is otherwise out of contract at the end of the season.

"Obviously we don’t want to lose him and I don’t think he wants to go anywhere else. Everything’s going fine," team boss Toto Wolff told reporters at last weekend`s Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona.

"There’s no reason why we shouldn’t be racing with each other for a few more years. We had other priorities in the last few weeks. We weren’t happy with our car’s performance and we needed to sort it out.

"And finalising a contract is something you need to involve yourself in and spend time and we both decided that we’d park it for a minute where we were. But it’s almost all sorted and we’ll pick it up at the right time," added the Austrian.

Hamilton started the season with pole position in Melbourne but Ferrari won the first two races.

Australian Daniel Ricciardo then put Red Bull on top of the podium in China, dealing Mercedes their third straight defeat for the first time in the V6 turbo hybrid era that started in 2014.

Mercedes have won both titles for the past four seasons.

The four times world champion and Mercedes have been talking about a lucrative new deal since last year.

Mercedes on Tuesday offered an explanation for the delay in signing a fresh contract with Lewis Hamilton, saying both parties wanted to focus on improving the Formula One team's car. The four times world champion and Mercedes have been talking about a lucrative new deal since last year. However, there have been regular assurances that it is on the point of being signed. There were reports that something would be done before the start of the season in March, but five races have gone by and there is still no announcement. The Briton is otherwise out of contract at the end of the season. "Obviously we don’t want to lose him and I don’t think he wants to go anywhere else. Everything’s going fine," team boss Toto Wolff told reporters at last weekend`s Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. "There’s no reason why we shouldn’t be racing with each other for a few more years. We had other priorities in the last few weeks. We weren’t happy with our car’s performance and we needed to sort it out. "And finalising a contract is something you need to involve yourself in and spend time and we both decided that we’d park it for a minute where we were. But it’s almost all sorted and we’ll pick it up at the right time," added the Austrian. Hamilton started the season with pole position in Melbourne but Ferrari won the first two races. Australian Daniel Ricciardo then put Red Bull on top of the podium in China, dealing Mercedes their third straight defeat for the first time in the V6 turbo hybrid era that started in 2014. Mercedes have won both titles for the past four seasons.

Car issues delayed Lewis Hamilton contract talks: Mercedes

Four times world champion Lewis Hamilton set a Formula One record of 28 successive scoring finishes on Sunday but was in no mood for celebrating.

"I was in no man`s land today. I had no pace so I was just trying to hold on for whatever I had," the Mercedes driver told reporters at the Chinese Grand Prix.

"I had the older tyre on and I was running out of it."

The Briton finished fifth on track but moved up to fourth after a 10 second penalty was applied to Red Bull`s Max Verstappen.

That allowed him to cut Sebastian Vettel`s overall lead from 17 points to nine, with the Ferrari driver finishing only eighth.

"Obviously it`s a tough battle ahead of us. I would say on my side but also us as a team, we`ve been underperforming," said Hamilton.

"Yesterday and today have been a disaster on my side so I have got to try and rectify that and get myself back into normal performance mode, otherwise more valuable points will be lost," said Hamilton.

The Briton had also said in Bahrain last weekend, when he finished third after starting ninth, that he had felt he was driving around in no-man`s land.

But he arrived in Shanghai with an envious record, winner an unprecedented five times at a Chinese circuit that has long favoured Mercedes.

Hamilton was never a force to reckon with this time, however, qualifying only fourth and losing a place immediately at the start.

With Red Bull`s Daniel Ricciardo winning the race, champions Mercedes have now been beaten three races in a row for the first time in the V6 turbo hybrid era that started in 2014.

Hamilton could at least depend on his car`s impressive reliability, collecting points for the 28th race in a row and claiming outright a record he had previously held jointly with Ferrari`s Kimi Raikkonen.

The Briton finished fifth on track but moved up to fourth

Four times world champion Lewis Hamilton set a Formula One record of 28 successive scoring finishes on Sunday but was in no mood for celebrating. "I was in no man`s land today. I had no pace so I was just trying to hold on for whatever I had," the Mercedes driver told reporters at the Chinese Grand Prix. "I had the older tyre on and I was running out of it." The Briton finished fifth on track but moved up to fourth after a 10 second penalty was applied to Red Bull`s Max Verstappen. That allowed him to cut Sebastian Vettel`s overall lead from 17 points to nine, with the Ferrari driver finishing only eighth. "Obviously it`s a tough battle ahead of us. I would say on my side but also us as a team, we`ve been underperforming," said Hamilton. "Yesterday and today have been a disaster on my side so I have got to try and rectify that and get myself back into normal performance mode, otherwise more valuable points will be lost," said Hamilton. The Briton had also said in Bahrain last weekend, when he finished third after starting ninth, that he had felt he was driving around in no-man`s land. But he arrived in Shanghai with an envious record, winner an unprecedented five times at a Chinese circuit that has long favoured Mercedes. Hamilton was never a force to reckon with this time, however, qualifying only fourth and losing a place immediately at the start. With Red Bull`s Daniel Ricciardo winning the race, champions Mercedes have now been beaten three races in a row for the first time in the V6 turbo hybrid era that started in 2014. Hamilton could at least depend on his car`s impressive reliability, collecting points for the 28th race in a row and claiming outright a record he had previously held jointly with Ferrari`s Kimi Raikkonen.

Motor racing: Hamilton takes a record but still in no-man's land

Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton roared to a record seventh pole at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on Saturday, blitzing the field in his Mercedes with a blazing lap at Albert Park.

The Briton flew around the lakeside circuit in a record one minute, 21.164 seconds, with his final effort leaving a yawning gap of 0.664 seconds to Ferrari`s second fastest Kimi Raikkonen.

Sebastian Vettel was third fastest for Ferrari but Hamilton was in a class of his own and the Silver Arrows appear as dominant as ever as they bid to sweep the driver and constructors` titles for a fifth year running.

&quot;That was intense. My heart`s racing. I wish you could feel it right now,&quot; the 33-year-old Hamilton said after clambering onto his car at the finish and pumping his fists.

&quot;I`m so happy with that lap.&quot;

Hamilton moved past the six poles his idol Ayrton Senna claimed in the Australian race with a furious pace that will leave the Ferrari and Red Bull teams scratching their heads.

&quot;Obviously the gap`s bigger than we want it to be,&quot; a subdued Vettel told reporters, looking ahead to Sunday`s race.

&quot;It depends how we get off the (start) line.&quot;

Red Bull wunderkind Max Verstappen will line up alongside Vettel on the second row, with his fifth-fastest team mate Daniel Ricciardo set to start eighth after the home hope was handed a three-place grid penalty for an infringement during Friday practice.

Still pumped at the post-qualifying news conference, Hamilton made a cheeky dig at fellow four-times champion Vettel when the German asked him what he was up to before Q3.

&quot;I was waiting to put a good lap in and wipe the smile off your face,&quot; Hamilton said with a smirk.&nbsp;

IMPROVED HAAS

The Briton`s brilliance was not matched by team mate Valtteri Bottas, who crashed early in the final shootout.

The Finn, who had complained of balance problems during Q1, spun out at turn two and smashed hard into a barrier, leaving his wrecked car and debris scattered all over the track.

The red flag was waved as the television broadcast showed Mercedes boss Toto Wolff bowing his head in disappointment back in the team garage.

Bottas, who will start in 10th, passed a medical check but it remains unclear how much of his car is salvageable.

Haas confirmed themselves as the big improvers after positive winter testing, with drivers Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean locking down the third row.

Renault`s Nico Hulkenberg took a spin into the gravel in Q2 but scraped through to the final session and will start seventh, his team mate Carlos Sainz two places behind.

McLaren`s hopes of a quick return to the top four with their new Renault engines proved overly ambitious, with twice champion Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne shut out of the final session.

Force India, fourth in the constructors` championship for the last two years, also have work to do after being knocked out during Q2.

The championship`s debutant drivers had an underwhelming session, with Sauber`s Charles Leclerc and Williams` driver Sergey Sirotkin eliminated early.

The Briton flew around the lakeside circuit in a record one minute, 21.164 seconds

Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton roared to a record seventh pole at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on Saturday, blitzing the field in his Mercedes with a blazing lap at Albert Park. The Briton flew around the lakeside circuit in a record one minute, 21.164 seconds, with his final effort leaving a yawning gap of 0.664 seconds to Ferrari`s second fastest Kimi Raikkonen. Sebastian Vettel was third fastest for Ferrari but Hamilton was in a class of his own and the Silver Arrows appear as dominant as ever as they bid to sweep the driver and constructors` titles for a fifth year running. "That was intense. My heart`s racing. I wish you could feel it right now," the 33-year-old Hamilton said after clambering onto his car at the finish and pumping his fists. "I`m so happy with that lap." Hamilton moved past the six poles his idol Ayrton Senna claimed in the Australian race with a furious pace that will leave the Ferrari and Red Bull teams scratching their heads. "Obviously the gap`s bigger than we want it to be," a subdued Vettel told reporters, looking ahead to Sunday`s race. "It depends how we get off the (start) line." Red Bull wunderkind Max Verstappen will line up alongside Vettel on the second row, with his fifth-fastest team mate Daniel Ricciardo set to start eighth after the home hope was handed a three-place grid penalty for an infringement during Friday practice. Still pumped at the post-qualifying news conference, Hamilton made a cheeky dig at fellow four-times champion Vettel when the German asked him what he was up to before Q3. "I was waiting to put a good lap in and wipe the smile off your face," Hamilton said with a smirk. IMPROVED HAAS The Briton`s brilliance was not matched by team mate Valtteri Bottas, who crashed early in the final shootout. The Finn, who had complained of balance problems during Q1, spun out at turn two and smashed hard into a barrier, leaving his wrecked car and debris scattered all over the track. The red flag was waved as the television broadcast showed Mercedes boss Toto Wolff bowing his head in disappointment back in the team garage. Bottas, who will start in 10th, passed a medical check but it remains unclear how much of his car is salvageable. Haas confirmed themselves as the big improvers after positive winter testing, with drivers Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean locking down the third row. Renault`s Nico Hulkenberg took a spin into the gravel in Q2 but scraped through to the final session and will start seventh, his team mate Carlos Sainz two places behind. McLaren`s hopes of a quick return to the top four with their new Renault engines proved overly ambitious, with twice champion Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne shut out of the final session. Force India, fourth in the constructors` championship for the last two years, also have work to do after being knocked out during Q2. The championship`s debutant drivers had an underwhelming session, with Sauber`s Charles Leclerc and Williams` driver Sergey Sirotkin eliminated early.

Formula One: Brilliant Hamilton blazes to Melbourne pole

Champion Lewis Hamilton topped the timesheets for Mercedes in both practice sessions at the Formula One season-opening Australian Grand Prix on Friday but Red Bull`s Max Verstappen showed enough pace to give the Silver Arrows pause for thought.

After lapping Albert Park in one minute 24.026 seconds during FP1, Briton Hamilton improved the mark slightly to 1:23.931 in the second session on a balmy autumn day.

Red Bull`s Dutch wunderkind Verstappen was snapping at Hamilton`s heels, however, and finished only 0.127 seconds adrift of the four-times champion after FP2.

Verstappen sandwiched himself between the Mercedes drivers, with Hamilton`s team mate Valtteri Bottas third quickest despite taking a couple of slides off the track.

Ferrari`s Kimi Raikkonen was fourth in FP2 but will have to face the stewards after Bottas nearly rammed into his rear and ended up in the gravel.

It was a less encouraging day for Ferrari`s four-times champion Sebastian Vettel, who was more than a half-second off the pace in FP2 in fifth position, while Red Bull`s home hope Daniel Ricciardo battled to seventh.

There will be a buzz around the Haas garage, however, as Romain Grosjean was sixth quickest in FP2 and his team mate Kevin Magnussen ninth.

After battling an exhaust system problem for much of FP1, Renault-powered McLaren showed encouraging signs with twice world champion Fernando Alonso eventually lapping eighth and holding the position in the later session.

Canadian Lance Stroll`s day ended in frustration, with his Williams forced to a halt at the end of FP2 with overheating issues. He was 14th for the session, ahead of his debutant team mate Sergey Sirotkin (18th).

Hamilton topped the timesheets for Mercedes in both practice sessions

Champion Lewis Hamilton topped the timesheets for Mercedes in both practice sessions at the Formula One season-opening Australian Grand Prix on Friday but Red Bull`s Max Verstappen showed enough pace to give the Silver Arrows pause for thought. After lapping Albert Park in one minute 24.026 seconds during FP1, Briton Hamilton improved the mark slightly to 1:23.931 in the second session on a balmy autumn day. Red Bull`s Dutch wunderkind Verstappen was snapping at Hamilton`s heels, however, and finished only 0.127 seconds adrift of the four-times champion after FP2. Verstappen sandwiched himself between the Mercedes drivers, with Hamilton`s team mate Valtteri Bottas third quickest despite taking a couple of slides off the track. Ferrari`s Kimi Raikkonen was fourth in FP2 but will have to face the stewards after Bottas nearly rammed into his rear and ended up in the gravel. It was a less encouraging day for Ferrari`s four-times champion Sebastian Vettel, who was more than a half-second off the pace in FP2 in fifth position, while Red Bull`s home hope Daniel Ricciardo battled to seventh. There will be a buzz around the Haas garage, however, as Romain Grosjean was sixth quickest in FP2 and his team mate Kevin Magnussen ninth. After battling an exhaust system problem for much of FP1, Renault-powered McLaren showed encouraging signs with twice world champion Fernando Alonso eventually lapping eighth and holding the position in the later session. Canadian Lance Stroll`s day ended in frustration, with his Williams forced to a halt at the end of FP2 with overheating issues. He was 14th for the session, ahead of his debutant team mate Sergey Sirotkin (18th).

Lewis Hamilton tops timesheets in opening practice

lewis-hamilton

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