McLaren, Hamilton: “Very proud to win the first race in Austin”

Lewis Hamilton said he was very proud to become the first winner at the new Austin Formula 1 circuit after beating Sebastian Vettel to first place in the United States Grand Prix.

The British driver started from second position and finally managed to pass leader Sebastian Vettel on lap 43, after chasing him since the start of the race.

Hamilton, the last winner in the United States when the race was held in Indianapolis, took his fourth victory of the 2012 season.

“It was a fantastic weekend,” admitted Hamilton. “Being able to beat Red Bull and Sebastian is definitely a difficult challenge, but we managed to do it.”

“We weren't that bad in the first stint, but it was very difficult to follow and overtake.”

“My tires were finished, but then after the tire change, the traffic helped me quite well for once. Traffic usually penalizes me, so I was pleased that this time it was in my favor.”

“What a great feeling to win the first Grand Prix here in the United States again, so I'm very proud.”

Hamilton is already out of the championship fight in fourth place, a position that could improve in Brazil as Kimi Raikkonen is on 16 points.

The McLaren driver will race his last race with the team in Brazil, where he hopes to be at the top again.

“It's exciting that we have a car that can compete with these guys again,” said the Briton. “I'm not fighting for the championship – but I can have fun.”