Hamilton pours it on in 2nd half of Formula One race

There’s a new sheriff at Circuit of the Americas, and he’s got the black Stetson and silver badge to prove it.

Formula One points leader Lewis Hamilton notched his second United States Grand Prix victory in three starts at COTA Sunday afternoon, stretching his championship advantage over Mercedes AMG teammate Nico Rosberg to 24 points while endearing himself to a growing legion of American fans.

Before exiting the post-race ceremonies involving the top three finishers, the new sheriff commandeered the cowboy hat and badge that American F1 icon Mario Andretti wore while conducting interviews with Hamilton, Rosberg and third-place Daniel Ricciardo of Infiniti Red Bull Racing.

“The car was great today, but you know what — where’s the Stetson? Can I use your hat?” Hamilton asked Andretti.

“In a minute … I’m still on official duty,” Andretti said.

“Oh yeah, you’re the sheriff,” Hamilton said.

Winner of the inaugural USGP here in 2012, Hamilton passed pole-sitter Rosberg in Turn 12 on Lap 24 in a race that saw the Silver Arrows teammates lead the entire 191.947-mile distance.

The win was Hamilton’s 10th in 17 races this season and fifth in a row. Hamilton and Rosberg have combined to win 14 races and reduce the championship to an intramural squabble with events in Brazil and Abu Dhabi remaining, the latter worth double points.

But neither Mercedes’ season-long domination nor rumors of a possible boycott by three teams over financial issues could deter a turnout of 107,776 fans around the 20-turn/3.427-mile layout. Hamilton and Rosberg were the centers of attention beginning with the pre-race driver’s parade laps in classic American convertibles. After the checkered flag fell and the race cars were secured, fans poured out of the front-stretch grandstands and off the hill in Turn 1 onto the track to salute the 29-year-old winner.

“You know, this is an incredible place,” said Hamilton, whose 32nd career win moved him ahead of Nigel Mansell for most in F1 by a British driver. “I’ve got such great support here, so a big huge thank you to the fans. Again, I’ve been so fortunate — I’ve got an incredible team. I had a great competitor today, and I’m really grateful to be up front. I’m really excited. It’s such a privilege to be representing my country, and to be at the top of the driver wins is really quite special.”

Fittingly, Hamilton became 2008 World Driving Champion on the same date six years ago — perhaps another omen for Rosberg in his fading bid for a first title.

Rosberg led 22 of the first 23 laps, surrendering the point during a pit stop for new tires on Lap 16. Hamilton pitted one lap later and the stage was set for the race’s turning point. Hamilton moved into Rosberg’s slipstream on the track’s backstretch. With the aid of his driver-adjustable rear-wing, Lewis passed the German on the inside under braking at Turn 12.

“I was quite a bit back, but I felt very confident,” Hamilton said. “There was a big headwind into 12 and I just felt like I was waiting for the moment really to just be close enough to throw it up inside. And that’s what I did. You have to decide how much of a risk you’re willing to take. Nico wasn’t defending there really, so [I] almost caught him unaware.”

Hamilton led 32 of the next 33 laps en route to a margin of victory of 4.314-seconds at 184.895 mph over Rosberg, who offered a simple explanation for the outcome.

“I didn’t find my rhythm early on,” Rosberg said through a pained smile. “It took a long time, all the way until after Lewis passed me.”

John Sturbin is a Senior Writer at RacinToday.com. He can be contacted at jsturbin@racintoday.com.

This story was originally published November 2, 2014 at 9:38 PM.