It’s a missed victory at a circuit where Mercedes have been dominant and Sunday’s result could prove pivotal if Verstappen hangs on to dethrone Hamilton. Hamilton quickly jumped past Verstappen and the two traded the lead four times over 56 laps.īut Hamilton just couldn’t make one more pass in the end. It set up a fierce fight for the lead headed into the first turn because the winner at COTA has always come from the front row. Then Verstappen edged Hamilton for pole position on the final lap of qualifying Sunday. Verstappen and Hamilton were locked in a tense fight all weekend, first when Verstappen called Hamilton a “stupid idiot” and flipped him the middle finger during Friday practice. “Hopefully we can do this for many years to come.” “It’s amazing to be here, but also to see so many (fans) around the track,” Verstappen said before stepping to the podium as fans rushed on the track. Track President Bobby Epstein has said he expects to get a new long-term deal from F1. Sunday was the final race in the Circuit’s original 10-year contract, but the U.S. Shaquille O’Neal hosted a post-race DJ dance party and delivered the winner’s trophy to the podium, where the 7-footer loomed large over Verstappen and Hamilton. It was one of the largest sporting events since the start of the pandemic and drew the rich and famous to the Austin circuit.Īmong the celebrities in attendance were actor Ben Stiller, rapper Meghan Thee Stallion, golfer Rory McIlroy and tennis champion Serena Williams, who all participated in the pre-race grid walk.
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“Got a good start and gave it absolutely everything, but in the end of the day, they just had the upper hand this weekend.”Īs the popularity of Formula One explodes in the U.S., the championship rivals delivered a dramatic finish under a blazing Texas sun in front of an estimated crowd of 140,000. It was such a tough race,” Hamilton said. “Congratulations to Max, he did a great job today. Hamilton, a five-time winner at COTA who couldn’t catch Verstappen in the end, is seeking a record eighth F1 title. Verstappen, the 24-year-old Dutchman chasing his first championship, now has some breathing room heading into Mexico City, a high-altitude stronghold for Red Bull.