Max Verstappen seals fourth world title at Las Vegas GP as Russell holds off Hamilton

Lewis Hamiltonworld champion

Had a long way to go though, to catch up. I was so far behind."

Hamilton - who has now picked up podiums around a record 36 F1 tracks - responded by saying

George Russell (racing driver)mate

Man you were flying at one point."

Following his second win of the season, Russell, 26, remarked to Hamilton

Max Verstappenchampionship leader

Four times, thank you guys … it was a little bit more difficult than last year ...,

Verstappen said breathlessly over the radio

George Russell (racing driver)mate

I took a nap before qualifying,

Russell explained

George Russell (racing driver)mate

I knew coming into that last Q3 lap, that would be the one that counts, it doesn't matter what happened before then,

said Russell, who was fastest in final practice and brushed the wall with his first effort

Lewis Hamiltonworld champion

I'm really quite far back so we'll see what we can do from there,

said Hamilton

Unbelievable...I couldn't find any grip,

said the Mexican over team radio after being told he was out

You have to put it on the table sometimes,

the 26-year-old added

Max Verstappenchampionship leader

I can't drive it. I'm going to crash,

Verstappen said early in the practice session