Räikkönen silences the critics, Verstappen on fire and Hamilton disappointed: reactions from the Top 3 in Austin
Kimi Räikkönen reminded everyone of his prowess by claiming his first victory since 2013. He narrowly edged out Max Verstappen, who climbed from 18th to 2nd place, just ahead of Lewis Hamilton, who will have to wait before being crowned a five-time champion.
Kimi Räikkönen’s fans were on fire last night after their idol’s victory on Texan soil. The Finn had not won a Formula 1 race since the 2013 Australian Grand Prix driving a Lotus.
Reason to be overjoyed for the Ferrari driver? Not really, even if this success allows him to silence the critics: « It’s not that big for me, it’s mostly for a lot of other people. If it happens, great, if not, it doesn’t really change my life. » he said about his victory.
« I am happy to be here and that we won. I think the biggest difference lies in how people see you. That they look at you differently because you won doesn’t make much difference in my mind. But obviously, I’m happy to prove some people wrong, that’s enough to entertain me. » added the Ferrari driver, somewhat vindictive.
When you’ve waited 2,044 days to taste the winner’s champagne 🍾#USGP 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/68JSOdqxdF
— Formula 1 (@F1) 22 octobre 2018
Verstappen from zero to hero!
Once again voted Driver of the Day by the public, Max Verstappen made the most impressive comeback of the Grand Prix by taking second place after starting 18th on the grid.
An exciting race that thrilled the Red Bull driver: « It was a bit unexpected, but I got a good start, a good first lap, then very quickly, we were back in 5th place, then in 4th and we could easily follow the leaders with a very good pace. We made the right choice to overtake Valtteri and from there we were able to run our own race. I think in the end, we could have put some pressure [on Räikkönen], but unfortunately, in the last three or four laps, I ran out of rubber compared to those who were on softs around me. But yes, still very happy. I destroyed my shoe I pushed so hard! »
Wow! From P18 to P2 💪 Unexpected, but very happy! We had a great race pace and the right strategy, thank you @redbullracing 👊🏻 And thanks to all fans for voting me Driver of the Day 🙌🏻 #KeepPushing #USGP 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/b3hCK9qjep
— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) 21 octobre 2018
A little more waiting for Hamilton…
Lewis Hamilton expected to be crowned on a track he appreciates, but tricky tire management has postponed a deadline that still seems inevitable. A simple 7th place in the remaining three Grand Prix would now suffice for him to clinch his fifth title.
A bit disappointed not to have fulfilled his hopes but being a good sport, the Brit acknowledges his defeat to Räikkönen and Verstappen: « First of all, congratulations to Kimi, he did an excellent job today. No mistakes, he had a good start and managed to lead his race to the end. Verstappen also did an excellent job. He had slightly better tires than us at the end so naturally, I struggled a bit. I think we could have done better, but that’s what we managed to do in the end. It’s nice to have a battle on the track. We will keep working and pushing for the next race. »
Congrats to Kimi, he did a great job today out there. A huge thanks to the fans for always making this such a special place to race. We keep working and will push forward to the next one in Mexico #USGP #F1 @MercedesAMGF1 pic.twitter.com/otpMJS0DhS
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) 21 octobre 2018
