Hamilton: "If it's Max, give him lots of space!"

Lewis Hamilton managed to catch up with Max Verstappen following his final pit-stop. But the four-time World Champion wasn't taking any risks in forcing himself past the Dutchman. At the time, the Mercedes driver could well have won the 2018 title by overtaking Verstappen, but it wasn't to be. 

In a post-race interview with Sky Sports, Hamilton made it clear he was taking a cautious approach in the final few laps of the race. 

"If it's Max, give him lots of space," Hamilton said. 

Hamilton did just that. He ran wide and eventually ran out of tarmac. Luckily for the Brit,  the Austin track isn't lined with gravel traps! 

"I wasn't feeling anything in the car, it was about the two guys ahead of me. It was 100% risk for them, I wasn't taking any risk. I gave him lots of room and caught the marbles," Hamilton added. 

Despite not winning the World Championship, nor the race, Hamilton claims he really enjoyed the Grand Prix. 

"It was epic, really exciting and I really enjoyed the race, not where I wanted to finish but getting into a battle was awesome," said Hamilton. 

"They [Ferrari] were quicker today and ultimately did a better job. Congratulations to Kimi, he did an awesome job. He gives me confidence that I can go on for some time yet, but I won't go on as old as him!"