Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen took his first victory in more than five years when he crossed the chequered flag at the US Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton had to wait for his fifth world title as he finished third.
Red Bull's Max Verstappen was second, and title rival Sebastian Vettel finished fourth. Hamilton, who had started on pole position, now leads Vettel by 70 points.
Raikkonen, who is set to join Sauber at the end of the season, said that his car had been pretty good this time and he was happy about his 21st career victory. It was his first win in 113 races, the longest period between wins in F1 history, breaking the previous record held by Italian Riccardo Patrese.
Mercedes's Hamilton congratulated both Raikkonen and Verstappen, who started from the 18th place in the grid, on their performances.
“This was the best we could do today, and it was great that we got to do some racing,” said Hamilton.
Hamilton's teammate Valtteri Bottas was fifth ahead of Renault's Nico Hulkenberg and his teammate Carlos Sainz. Esteban Ocon of Force India finished eighth ahead of Kevin Magnussen of Haas and Force India's Sergio Perez.
The drivers championship may be decided in the Mexican Grand Prix on October 29. If Vettel wins the race, Hamilton would have to finish at least on seventh position to clinch the title. However, Hamilton will take home the title for a fifth time if Vettel doesn't win the race.
(With inputs from agencies)
