Hamilton: Catching Max will be tough

LEWIS HAMILTON has admitted it is going to be “tough” to stop Max Verstappen as one of the most gripping Formula One title races in years heads into its climax.

Verstappen held off a late challenge from Hamilton (right) to win the United States Grand Prix last night and extend his championship lead to 12 points with five races to go.

Hamilton needed victory in Austin, knowing that in two weeks’ time F1 heads to Mexico and a circuit which will heavily favour his rival.

The majority of the remaining races suit Verstappen’s Red Bull more than the Mercedes, and Hamilton will be concerned that a record-breaking eighth world championship might be slipping away this season.

“We are going to the next two tracks which are very strong circuits for Red Bull, so it is going to be tough,” said Hamilton, who crossed the line 1.3 seconds behind Verstappen in Texas. “We will just try and minimise how strong they can be compared to us, and see if we can do a better job.

“I am trying not to think about it at the moment, but be happy with the job I did today. I am living in the moment and will take it one race at a time.” Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said: “Max did a fantastic job. A phenomenal performance by him. A big win for us at a circuit that Mercedes and Lewis have been so strong.

“To lose here would have been really painful, but Max held on and did a great job.” Hamilton’s battle with Verstappen will resume with three races on successive weekends in Mexico, Brazil and Qatar ahead of back-to-back rounds in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.