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AUSTIN. – Lewis Hamilton was forced to wait for a fifth world Formula One title when he finished third at the US Grand Prix on Sunday as Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen took a first victory in over five years.

Title rival Sebastian Vettel in another Ferrari was fourth meaning the championship race will probably be decided in Mexico next weekend instead.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen finished second after starting in 18th place.

Hamilton says Mercedes already understand more of the reasons for their surprise US GP struggle and will “go back to the drawing board” for Mexico, when he will have a second chance to clinch his fifth world title.

Hamilton was made to wait at least seven days to seal the Drivers’ Championship after slipping from pole position to third place in a pulsating Austin race won by Raikkonen.

Hamilton has won the previous four races but conceded Mercedes “weren’t quick enough” in Texas when he was beaten by both a Red Bull and a Ferrari.

“There are a lot of things that we could have done better and there are certain things that weren’t optimum for us which made it look even worse than it was,” said Hamilton, who was the only top-five finisher to make two pit stops.

“Ferrari gained a bit of pace and we seemed to lose a little bit of pace here. But we’ll go back to the drawing board and that’s why we’re the best because as a team because in there no one is to blame, we all take the blame                          together.

“I know the guys will do great analysis from today over the next couple of days and we’ll come back stronger the next race.”

Hamilton: Mercedes know where performance was lost. – AFP.