Lewis Hamilton admitted that he was helpless to prevent Max Verstappen romping to victory in Mexico and take a tighter hold on the world championship destiny. Hamilton, trailing Verstappen by 19 points, said: ‘First, congratulations to Max. Verstappen, who made a brilliant move at the first corner to hit the front, said: ‘The start? It was nice, three cars wide, and it was all about just trying to brake as late as you can. Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas was held to be at fault for allowing Verstappen to surge ahead, yielding the racing line after starting on pole. Former Renault driver Jolyon Palmer said: ‘If you’re Bottas, you’ve got to hang Verstappen out to dry! Bottas finished 15th and at least robbed Verstappen of the point for fastest lap late on.

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