Major takeaways from epic, rain-lashed and wildly-spectacular German GP

Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff was critical of his team's preparations and reactions on Sunday after both drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas crashed out of contention in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/red-bulls-max-verstappen-wins-chaotic-german-grand-prix-239045">chaotic rain-hit German Grand Prix</a>.

Wolff, wearing braces and 'baggies' as part of champions Mercedes' decision to revert to 'retro' 1950s outfits in celebration of 125 years of motorsport, said the team was not prepared and made the "wrong calls".

The Austrian team boss seemed frustrated and angry that the team were distracted from their jobs by a need to dress in old overalls and flat caps.

Dutchman Max Verstappen claimed his second victory of the season for Red Bull, making five pit-stops on the way, to finish ahead of Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari and Daniil Kvyat of Toro Rosso.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/major-takeaways-from-epic-rain-lashed-and-wildly-spectacular-german-gp-239075">Major takeaways from epic, rain-lashed and wildly-spectacular German GP</a>

Defending five-time champion Hamilton, who had been feeling poorly with a sore throat, finished 11th after two mistakes and six pit-stops while Bottas crashed out in the closing laps.

It was the team's 200th Formula One race start as a constructor, another cause for their celebrations in advance at their home race where their parent company was the event's main sponsor.

"Many drivers crashed," said Wolff. "Overall, for us, it was a bad day and, for the drivers, it was a bad day, it cannot go much worse.

"This shows that you shouldn't fool around with the staff. You should concentrate on the job. We are not superstitious, but we believe in karma and it's a day to learn."

He added: "I think we had a decent start with good pace. Then you had incidents, crashing out in tricky conditions, the wrong calls."

Asked about Hamilton's crash and pit-stop, he said: "It was unfortunate, crashing right at the entry of the pit lane.&nbsp; You are not prepared. We made the wrong calls afterwards -- it was all coming together.

"Many others made the same mistake. Leclerc crashed and many others crashed."

Hamilton finished outside the points for the first time in 23 outings for Mercedes.

He said: "It was my worst day in the office for a long, long time. You live and you learn. I don't know what happened today, but I'm glad its over and there are more races ahead so we can focus on regrouping and coming back strong."

He accepted his share of the blame for the team’s worst result since Hamilton and Nico Rosberg collided on the first lap of the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, when Verstappen won on his debut with Red Bull.&nbsp;

"Me hitting the wall not helpful and them putting on the slick tyres not helpful either," he said.

Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff was critical of his team's preparations and reactions on Sunday after both drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas crashed out of contention in a chaotic rain-hit German Grand Prix.

Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff was critical of his team's preparations and reactions on Sunday after both drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas crashed out of contention in a chaotic rain-hit German Grand Prix. Wolff, wearing braces and 'baggies' as part of champions Mercedes' decision to revert to 'retro' 1950s outfits in celebration of 125 years of motorsport, said the team was not prepared and made the "wrong calls". The Austrian team boss seemed frustrated and angry that the team were distracted from their jobs by a need to dress in old overalls and flat caps. Dutchman Max Verstappen claimed his second victory of the season for Red Bull, making five pit-stops on the way, to finish ahead of Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari and Daniil Kvyat of Toro Rosso. In pics: Major takeaways from epic, rain-lashed and wildly-spectacular German GP Defending five-time champion Hamilton, who had been feeling poorly with a sore throat, finished 11th after two mistakes and six pit-stops while Bottas crashed out in the closing laps. It was the team's 200th Formula One race start as a constructor, another cause for their celebrations in advance at their home race where their parent company was the event's main sponsor. "Many drivers crashed," said Wolff. "Overall, for us, it was a bad day and, for the drivers, it was a bad day, it cannot go much worse. "This shows that you shouldn't fool around with the staff. You should concentrate on the job. We are not superstitious, but we believe in karma and it's a day to learn." He added: "I think we had a decent start with good pace. Then you had incidents, crashing out in tricky conditions, the wrong calls." Asked about Hamilton's crash and pit-stop, he said: "It was unfortunate, crashing right at the entry of the pit lane. You are not prepared. We made the wrong calls afterwards -- it was all coming together. "Many others made the same mistake. Leclerc crashed and many others crashed." Hamilton finished outside the points for the first time in 23 outings for Mercedes. He said: "It was my worst day in the office for a long, long time. You live and you learn. I don't know what happened today, but I'm glad its over and there are more races ahead so we can focus on regrouping and coming back strong." He accepted his share of the blame for the team’s worst result since Hamilton and Nico Rosberg collided on the first lap of the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, when Verstappen won on his debut with Red Bull. "Me hitting the wall not helpful and them putting on the slick tyres not helpful either," he said.

'It was karma': Mercedes boss rages after German GP flop

Max Verstappen took full advantage of his rivals' calamities on Sunday to win an epic, rain-lashed and wildly-spectacular German Grand Prix for Red Bull ahead of Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari.

The 21-year-old Dutchman secured his second win of the season and seventh of his career, finishing ahead of four-time world champion Vettel, who had started 20th and last on the grid.

New dad Daniil Kvyat of Toro Rosso was third as he secured only his third Formula One podium.

The race was a disaster for champions Mercedes who were celebrating their 200th Formula One start of the modern era and 125 years of motorsport, both defending five-time champion Lewis Hamilton and his team-mate Valtteri Bottas crashed and failed to score any points.

Hamilton eventually finished 11th after making six pit-stops as he missed out on a points finish for the first time in 23 races while Verstappen continued his rich streak of consistency.

Lance Stroll of Racing Point came home fourth to deliver his team's best finish ahead of Carlos Sainz of McLaren, Alex Albon of Toro Rosso and Kimi Raikkonen of Alfa Romeo.

Romain Grosjean was eighth for Haas ahead of Antionio Giovinazzi of Alfa Romeo and Kevin Magnussen who was 10th for Haas.

"It was amazing, but really tricky out there," said Verstappen, who made four pit-stops and survived a complete 360-degrees spin.&nbsp;

"To make the right calls, you had to be focussed. We put on the slick tyres and we had a 360! But it was alright."

Vettel, for whom the result brought redemption after he had crashed out while leading in heavy rain last year, said: "It was a long race and at some stages if felt like it was never-ending. I am just very happy."

Kvyat confirmed that he became a father on Saturday night when his partner Kelly gave birth to a daughter.

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He said, "It was amazing! Amazing to be back on the podium and incredible for Toro Rosso, after so many years, it;s great to get a podium."&nbsp;

Max Verstappen took full advantage of his rivals' calamities on Sunday to win an epic, rain-lashed and wildly-spectacular German Grand Prix for Red Bull ahead of Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari.

Max Verstappen took full advantage of his rivals' calamities on Sunday to win an epic, rain-lashed and wildly-spectacular German Grand Prix for Red Bull ahead of Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari. The 21-year-old Dutchman secured his second win of the season and seventh of his career, finishing ahead of four-time world champion Vettel, who had started 20th and last on the grid. New dad Daniil Kvyat of Toro Rosso was third as he secured only his third Formula One podium. The race was a disaster for champions Mercedes who were celebrating their 200th Formula One start of the modern era and 125 years of motorsport, both defending five-time champion Lewis Hamilton and his team-mate Valtteri Bottas crashed and failed to score any points. Hamilton eventually finished 11th after making six pit-stops as he missed out on a points finish for the first time in 23 races while Verstappen continued his rich streak of consistency. Lance Stroll of Racing Point came home fourth to deliver his team's best finish ahead of Carlos Sainz of McLaren, Alex Albon of Toro Rosso and Kimi Raikkonen of Alfa Romeo. Romain Grosjean was eighth for Haas ahead of Antionio Giovinazzi of Alfa Romeo and Kevin Magnussen who was 10th for Haas. "It was amazing, but really tricky out there," said Verstappen, who made four pit-stops and survived a complete 360-degrees spin. "To make the right calls, you had to be focussed. We put on the slick tyres and we had a 360! But it was alright." Vettel, for whom the result brought redemption after he had crashed out while leading in heavy rain last year, said: "It was a long race and at some stages if felt like it was never-ending. I am just very happy." Kvyat confirmed that he became a father on Saturday night when his partner Kelly gave birth to a daughter. Confirmation of the final positions from an unforgettable race at Hockenheim ⏱️#GermanGP #F1 🇩🇪 pic.twitter.com/ea8y1zqGE3 — Formula 1 (@F1) July 28, 2019 × He said, "It was amazing! Amazing to be back on the podium and incredible for Toro Rosso, after so many years, it;s great to get a podium."

Red Bull's Max Verstappen wins chaotic German Grand Prix

Sebastian Vettel apologised to Max Verstappen immediately after Sunday's<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-wins-record-sixth-british-gp-extends-f1-lead-235888"> British Grand Prix</a>, acknowledging that he had ruined his rival's hopes of claiming a podium finish.

Ferrari driver Vettel drove into the back of Verstappen's Red Bull after the Dutchman had passed him. Both cars spun off into the gravel before rejoining the race.

"Well, it was my mistake," said Vettel, who climbed out of his car at the end of the race and went to speak to Verstappen. He leaned into the Red Bull car's cockpit, shook hands and apologised.

"Obviously, he passed me and then ran a bit wide, which gave me the chance to come back," said Vettel.

"Then, it looked for a second that he was going to the right and there would be a gap to the left, which didn't open -- and by that time it was too late and I crashed."

Vettel had to pit for a new nose for his Ferrari car while Verstappen re-joined the fray and finished fifth, missing out on a possible podium finish.

Vettel was given a 10-seconds penalty and two penalty points by the stewards for the crash on lap 37 of the 52-laps race.

"I spoke to him, he apologised immediately after he got out of the car, so that's it," said the Dutchman. "You can't change your line."

He added that he had also enjoyed his earlier battle with Vettel's Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc.

"They were really good," he said. "I think he was a little bit sore from Austria so he was defending really hard.

"But it's fine. I'm all for that. Of course, I didn't want to take much risk in those battles to damage the car because I knew we were quite a bit faster.&nbsp;

"I needed to pick my moment, but luckily the team did it for me with a good strategy and then it was looking good for a good result."&nbsp;

Sebastian Vettel apologised to Max Verstappen immediately after Sunday's British Grand Prix, acknowledging that he had ruined his rival's hopes of claiming a podium finish.

Sebastian Vettel apologised to Max Verstappen immediately after Sunday's British Grand Prix, acknowledging that he had ruined his rival's hopes of claiming a podium finish. Ferrari driver Vettel drove into the back of Verstappen's Red Bull after the Dutchman had passed him. Both cars spun off into the gravel before rejoining the race. "Well, it was my mistake," said Vettel, who climbed out of his car at the end of the race and went to speak to Verstappen. He leaned into the Red Bull car's cockpit, shook hands and apologised. "Obviously, he passed me and then ran a bit wide, which gave me the chance to come back," said Vettel. "Then, it looked for a second that he was going to the right and there would be a gap to the left, which didn't open -- and by that time it was too late and I crashed." Vettel had to pit for a new nose for his Ferrari car while Verstappen re-joined the fray and finished fifth, missing out on a possible podium finish. Vettel was given a 10-seconds penalty and two penalty points by the stewards for the crash on lap 37 of the 52-laps race. "I spoke to him, he apologised immediately after he got out of the car, so that's it," said the Dutchman. "You can't change your line." He added that he had also enjoyed his earlier battle with Vettel's Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc. "They were really good," he said. "I think he was a little bit sore from Austria so he was defending really hard. "But it's fine. I'm all for that. Of course, I didn't want to take much risk in those battles to damage the car because I knew we were quite a bit faster. "I needed to pick my moment, but luckily the team did it for me with a good strategy and then it was looking good for a good result."

Sebastian Vettel apologises to Max Verstappen, admits mistake

Max Verstappen overcame a poor start to storm to the sixth victory of his career and end Mercedes’ record unbeaten start to the season when he triumphed in Sunday’s thrilling Austrian Grand Prix.&nbsp;

The 21-year-old Dutchman, who won last year’s race at the Spielberg circuit, recovered after dropping to seventh and charged through to battle past Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in stirring fashion with two laps remaining.&nbsp;

His dramatic overtaking move was immediately announced as under investigation by the stewards, Leclerc feeling that he was given insufficient space as Verstappen forced him wide off the circuit.&nbsp;

Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas came home third ahead of Sebastian Vettel in the second Ferrari and defending five-time champion Lewis Hamilton in the second Mercedes, the series leader having suffered front wing and heating problems.&nbsp;

British rookie Lando Norris was an excellent sixth for McLaren ahead of Pierre Gasly in the second Red Bull, Carlos Sainz who finished eighth in the second McLaren after starting from the back of the grid, Kimi Raikkonen and his Alfa Romeo team-mate Antionio Giovinazzi.&nbsp;

"After that start, I thought my race was over,” said Verstappen. “But after the pit-stops we were flying. It was hard racing – and if that’s not allowed, what’s the point in racing in F1. We may as well go home.”&nbsp;

His victory brought Red Bull’s engine supplier Honda their first win since the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix after returning to Formula One.&nbsp;

Leclerc said: "I had more degradation than I thought at the end – we touched and I had to go wide and I didn't have a chance to fight back."&nbsp;

Max Verstappen overcame a poor start to storm to the sixth victory of his career and end Mercedes’ record unbeaten start to the season when he triumphed in Sunday’s thrilling Austrian Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen overcame a poor start to storm to the sixth victory of his career and end Mercedes’ record unbeaten start to the season when he triumphed in Sunday’s thrilling Austrian Grand Prix. The 21-year-old Dutchman, who won last year’s race at the Spielberg circuit, recovered after dropping to seventh and charged through to battle past Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in stirring fashion with two laps remaining. His dramatic overtaking move was immediately announced as under investigation by the stewards, Leclerc feeling that he was given insufficient space as Verstappen forced him wide off the circuit. Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas came home third ahead of Sebastian Vettel in the second Ferrari and defending five-time champion Lewis Hamilton in the second Mercedes, the series leader having suffered front wing and heating problems. British rookie Lando Norris was an excellent sixth for McLaren ahead of Pierre Gasly in the second Red Bull, Carlos Sainz who finished eighth in the second McLaren after starting from the back of the grid, Kimi Raikkonen and his Alfa Romeo team-mate Antionio Giovinazzi. "After that start, I thought my race was over,” said Verstappen. “But after the pit-stops we were flying. It was hard racing – and if that’s not allowed, what’s the point in racing in F1. We may as well go home.” His victory brought Red Bull’s engine supplier Honda their first win since the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix after returning to Formula One. Leclerc said: "I had more degradation than I thought at the end – we touched and I had to go wide and I didn't have a chance to fight back."

Max Verstappen wins in Austria after thrilling duel with Charles Leclerc

Formula One championship leader Lewis Hamilton set the pace in a Mercedes one-two in first free practice for the French Grand Prix on Friday with Ferrari's <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-praises-ferraris-charles-leclerc-and-hopes-for-great-future-battles-207238&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjqjLv5x_riAhVMpo8KHaVZAR0QFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3DqGKeaHE4jbbB4DsbaG2U">Charles Leclerc</a> the best of the rest.

Hamilton, who arrived at the circuit late on Thursday after attending a memorial for fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld in Paris, lapped the Le Castellet circuit in one minute 32.738 seconds.

Finnish teammate Valtteri Bottas was second, a mere 0.069 slower, with Leclerc 0.373 off Hamilton's time on a sunny and largely uneventful morning at the southern circuit.

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, who was on pole position in Canada two weeks ago but finished second in the race after a five-second time penalty that handed the win to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-wins-monaco-grand-prix-in-the-spirit-of-lauda-221832&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjqjLv5x_riAhVMpo8KHaVZAR0QFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0DBehZbnKFQEZTCqYlbjz2">Hamilton</a>, was more than a second slower than the Briton.

Ferrari said they were assessing new parts during the session.

The Italian team have asked for a review of the Montreal decision, with the stewards meeting Ferrari's sporting director Laurent Mekies between the two practice sessions.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen was fourth on the timesheets, 0.880 slower than Hamilton, with his car benefiting from a Honda engine upgrade.

French driver Romain Grosjean missed much of the session, completing just nine laps, after a water leak to his Haas.

Mercedes are favourites to chalk up their 10th win in a row this weekend, and eighth of the season, at a track where Hamilton won from pole last year when the French Grand Prix returned after a decade's absence.

Five-times world champion <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-snatches-dramatic-monaco-gp-pole-with-record-lap-221607&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjqjLv5x_riAhVMpo8KHaVZAR0QFjAEegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1hiWopdDkNqidBvr3RSdh6">Hamilton </a>leads Bottas by 29 points in the standings.

Formula One championship leader Lewis Hamilton set the pace in a Mercedes one-two in first free practice for the French Grand Prix on Friday with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc the best of the rest.

Formula One championship leader Lewis Hamilton set the pace in a Mercedes one-two in first free practice for the French Grand Prix on Friday with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc the best of the rest. Hamilton, who arrived at the circuit late on Thursday after attending a memorial for fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld in Paris, lapped the Le Castellet circuit in one minute 32.738 seconds. Finnish teammate Valtteri Bottas was second, a mere 0.069 slower, with Leclerc 0.373 off Hamilton's time on a sunny and largely uneventful morning at the southern circuit. Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, who was on pole position in Canada two weeks ago but finished second in the race after a five-second time penalty that handed the win to Hamilton, was more than a second slower than the Briton. Ferrari said they were assessing new parts during the session. The Italian team have asked for a review of the Montreal decision, with the stewards meeting Ferrari's sporting director Laurent Mekies between the two practice sessions. Red Bull's Max Verstappen was fourth on the timesheets, 0.880 slower than Hamilton, with his car benefiting from a Honda engine upgrade. French driver Romain Grosjean missed much of the session, completing just nine laps, after a water leak to his Haas. Mercedes are favourites to chalk up their 10th win in a row this weekend, and eighth of the season, at a track where Hamilton won from pole last year when the French Grand Prix returned after a decade's absence. Five-times world champion Hamilton leads Bottas by 29 points in the standings.

Lewis Hamilton fastest in first French Grand Prix practice

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

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

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>
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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

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

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

Lewis Hamilton won his home British Grand Prix for the third year in a row today with Mercedes team mate and title rival Nico Rosberg finishing second but under a stewards investigation. 
 
The triple Formula One world champion&#39;s fourth home win, from pole position, was the 47th victory of Hamilton&#39;s career and cut Rosberg&#39;s overall lead to four points after 10 of 21 races. 
 
Rosberg was slowed by a gearbox problem with five laps remaining and crossed the line 6.9 seconds behind and with a question mark over his result after Mercedes seemingly broke the rules on radio advice by telling him to avoid seventh gear. 
 
Red Bull&#39;s Dutch teenager Max Verstappen was third, 1.3 seconds behind Rosberg, in a race that started behind the safety car after heavy rain. 
 
(Reuters)

It was the 47th victory of Hamilton's career and cut Rosberg's overall lead to four points after 10 of 21 races

Lewis Hamilton won his home British Grand Prix for the third year in a row today with Mercedes team mate and title rival Nico Rosberg finishing second but under a stewards investigation. The triple Formula One world champion's fourth home win, from pole position, was the 47th victory of Hamilton's career and cut Rosberg's overall lead to four points after 10 of 21 races. Rosberg was slowed by a gearbox problem with five laps remaining and crossed the line 6.9 seconds behind and with a question mark over his result after Mercedes seemingly broke the rules on radio advice by telling him to avoid seventh gear. Red Bull's Dutch teenager Max Verstappen was third, 1.3 seconds behind Rosberg, in a race that started behind the safety car after heavy rain. (Reuters)

Lewis Hamilton wins fourth British Grand Prix

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