F1 2014: Lewis Hamilton Overtakes Nico Rosberg at United States GP to Extend Championship Lead
Lewis Hamilton has extended his lead at the top of the Drivers' Championship after winning the United States Grand Prix.
Hamilton overtook Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg at Turn 12 to seal his 10th victory of the season and extend his lead at the top by 24 points with just two races remaining.
Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo finished in third place ahead of Felipe Massa in fourth and Valtteri Bottas in fifth in Austin, Texas.
With just 75 points up for grabs over the next two races, Hamilton took a commanding step in his attempt to repeat his championship success of 2008. Rosberg started in pole but was unable to hold off his teammate as Hamilton caught the German unaware at the hairpin at the end of the straight on Turn 12.
With Rosberg at risk of changing lane in the brake zone, he was forced to let Hamilton pass along the inside. The championship leader kept his lead from then on, extending his advantage on lap 30 to put breathing space between him and Rosberg to seal the 32nd win of his career - a victory which also saw him surpass Nigel Mansell's record tally for a British driver.
Hamilton's win also meant he became the first non-German to win 10 races in a single season with Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher sat on 11 and 13 respectively.
Rosberg can still claim the title in the two final two races of the season which take place in Brazil and Abu Dhabi, with the final race worth double points after a rule change this season.
"I've been so fortunate, "Hamilton said after podium celebrations. "This is an incredible team, I've an incredible car ,and I'm really grateful to be up front.
"I'm also so proud to be representing my country, and to be top of the driver wins is quite special."
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