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History made in dramatic finish to US Grand Prix

Kimi Raikkonen has ended the longest drought between race wins in Formula One history with a stunning victory at the United States Grand Prix in Texas.

The Ferrari driver, who is on his way out of the team at the end of the season, took out his first win since March 2013 – and his first in 113 races, a new F1 record.

The previous holder was Riccardo Patrese, who waited 99 races between wins in the 1990s.

Raikkonen took the lead with 17 laps to go after Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton entered the pits to replace tyres that were well past their best before.

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“Long time but you know, here we are,” said the typically understated Raikkonen of his victory.

“Obviously I’m much happier than finishing second.”

Hamilton had significant pace with his fresh tyres but could not get to Raikkonen let alone past Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who finished second after starting in 18th place.

The result means Hamilton has been made to wait for a fifth championship after title rival Sebastian Vettel finished one place behind him.

Kimi Raikkonen has ended the longest drought in F1 history to win the United States Grand Prix. Pic: Getty
Kimi Raikkonen has ended the longest drought in F1 history to win the United States Grand Prix. Pic: Getty

Australia’s Daniel Ricciardo may have inadvertently played a part in deciding the championship after Vettel made contact with his car and spun on the opening lap.

The German made contact with Ricciardo’s Red Bull car at turn 13 as the pair were battling for fourth place, before spinning out and dropping into 15th.

Vettel had moved back up to ninth after six laps, but Hamilton was in second after starting from pole and losing out to Vettel’s Ferrari teammate Kimi Raikkonen on the first corner.

The title battle will now move to Mexico, where the margin for Hamilton to secure the championship is now even lower.

The Briton leads his rival by 70 points with 75 left to win in the final three races.

with AAP