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F1 US GP: Hamilton relieved to get victory after 'super hard slog'

Lewis Hamilton concedes it has been a "super hard slog" to get back on the top of the podium after his victory in the United States Grand Prix.

Hamilton dominated the race at the Circuit of the Americas, leading from start-to-finish to take his 50th F1 win and his fifth in the USA. It was also more significantly his first since the German Grand Prix back in July, a result that allow him to make in-roads into Rosberg's Championship lead, cutting the margin from 33 points to 26 with three races remaining.

"It [the win] has been a long time coming for sure and it feels even more special, even though it has been a super hard slog to get back up here. It feels great," Hamilton said.

Asked how he is feeling now, he replied: "Generally relaxed. The response here has been incredible. It is nice to have a good solid weekend.

"I was 100 per cent clear on my starts so it was nice to be in that position after so many ups and downs.

"We worked hard at the factory last weekend and found a couple of small changes that I was more comfortable with. Wish I had found them earlier in the year but they did the job today.

"Let the battle continue and I hope it continues like this."

Meanwhile looking to Mexico next weekend, Hamilton is keen to do more of the same.

"All I can do is do my best and continue to drive as I have this weekend. Nico has been driving fantastically well all year, but I will be going for it."

Pressed on if he feels more confident after his Austin success, Hamilton added that reliability is something that continues to worry him.

"Not really [feeling more confident]. Reliability, I don't think he [Rosberg] has a single worry about that - but I do."

Zdroj: crash.net