Hamilton thought he would win in Austin: 'But they were faster than us'

Lewis Hamilton thought for some time on Sunday that he would win the United States Grand Prix.

The Briton finally had to leave the victory in Austin to Max Verstappen after a blood-curdling fight.

"We did a great sprint to the first corner and from there I really thought I would win the race," said Hamilton.

"But unfortunately I will now have to wait for my next victory."

The 36-year-old Hamilton started second at the Circuit of the Americas, but already managed to outwit Verstappen in the first corner.

Verstappen, however, made a pit stop twice before the Mercedes driver, allowing him to take the lead again.

Hamilton eventually fell 1.3 seconds short to win.

"We gave everything today, but for whatever reason they were just faster than us," Hamilton continued.

"Their rears looked much better and we were sliding a lot. I had some dirty air and overheated tires. Unfortunately we couldn't finish today."

Behind Verstappen and Hamilton, Red Bull driver Sergio Pérez finished third.

Charles Leclerc finished fourth and Daniel Ricciardo rounded out the top five.

World Cup leader Verstappen now has twelve points more than Hamilton (287.5 to 275.5 points) thanks to his victory in Austin.

The Formula 1 season will continue in two weeks with the Mexican Grand Prix.

See also: Verstappen wins blistering race in the US and continues to run out of Hamilton