United States GP 2018: Kimi Raikkonen Wins As Lewis Hamilton Finished In Third Place

Lewis Hamilton could have claimed his fifth career championship title at the United States Grand Prix on Sunday, but Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen stopped him after winning the final. 

Not only did Raikkonen outpaced Hamilton by crossing the finish line in 1:34:18.643, Red Bull's Max Verstappen also sped by him to claim the second place as his title rival Sebastian Vettel finished in fourth position ahead of Valterri Bottas. 

Mercedes decision to delay second pit, robbed Hamilton of the chance to winning the race as his tyres were already blistering by the time he pitted. He did make effort to reclaim the second spot from Verstappen at 54 lap, but the Dutchman refuted his chased by running wide at Turn 18, leaving in fateful third position by the end of the race. 

As a result, Hamilton did not score enough points necessary to land the title in United States and would have to win in Mexico to clinch his fifth title. 

Currently, the Briton has all-time most pole position and is set to be second all-time biggest championship title winner behind Michael Schumacher who won seven title during his career. 

At the end of the race in the U.S., Hamilton extends his leadership in championship title with 346 points over Sebastian Vettel (276 points) who chances of regaining title contest is invariably very slim.