Hamilton praises Red Bull: 'Their pace is just undeniable at the moment'

Lewis Hamilton took to the outside of the track on the opening lap as he moved ahead of Charles Leclerc, but from that point, he didn't look back. The Mercedes driver was able to hold onto P2 and claim a podium finish. He was over the moon when speaking to David Coulthard after the Sprint at the United States Grand Prix.

“I didn't hear a single word you just said, the crowd just sounded so great, so thank you, everyone, for the amazing support," he said with a smile in the pit lane, before adding: "That was a really fun race. [A] good start down to turn one and a good battle with Charles and then I was trying early on to get closer to Max but their pace is just undeniable at the moment but I'm happy we're a little bit closer. We've still got a long way to be able to eat the pace that he was doing throughout the race, but nonetheless, I'm really happy to be back on the podium.”

When asked about tomorrow's Grand Prix and Verstappen starting in P6, the Brit gave a positive response and looks forward to the challenge and battle with those around him: "I think it will be helpful for us at the front. I mean, ultimately, I think he will be breathing down our necks before too long with the pace that he had today. I think that will open up for a good fight with Charles and Lando. We're all quite similar in pace. So hopefully we get to have a good battle tomorrow. If we can all keep Max behind that would be awesome but if not, no worries.”