Lewis Hamilton appeared to tell Max Verstappen off for making a late move to take the lead of the United States Grand Prix in the post-race cool-down room. The Mercedes star made the comment as the pair watched back their epic battle on a TV screen while waiting to stand on the podium.
Hamilton and Verstappen enjoyed an epic battle for victory in the closing stages with the seven-time champion unable to hold on. Verstappen used DRS to his advantage to get a run on the Briton before diving past on the back straight.
However, Hamilton appeared annoyed at the move, telling Verstappen that he “came from so far back”. Verstappen was seen explaining his move to Hamilton but his reply was inaudible.
Hamilton then added that Mercedes couldn’t stay with the Red Bulls on the straights. Mercedes were handed a chance to battle for their first win of the season after Verstappen suffered a poor second pit stop.
The 11-second stop dropped the Dutchman down to P3 but the mistake prompted a dramatic comeback drive. He swept past Charles Leclerc just a couple of laps later with an impressive dive down the inside at turn one.
He then quickly closed the gap to Hamilton and caught him unaware with a move down the inside at turn 12. Speaking to Charles Leclerc after the race, Hamilton admitted he had tried “so hard” to stay ahead of his former title rival.
Talking to the media after the chequered flag, the Mercedes driver said Red Bull were “just a little bit too quick” to edge out. He explained: “It was so, so close and I did everything I could to try and stay ahead but they were just a little bit too quick today. Great strategy, great race by red Bull and again my condolences to the team.
“The car was a handful today and firstly, it felt amazing to be in the lead. That is something we have been working so hard on throughout the year and we have had so much hope.” However, the result equals Hamilton’s best result of the season and is his first podium since the Hungarian Grand Prix back in July.
Team-mate George Russell could only manage P5 meaning Hamilton has closed the gap to the youngster in the world championship. The multiple champion now only lies just 20 points behind the former Williams driver in the standings with three races to go.
