Hamilton hails 'dream' American week

The Briton, who had scored his maiden victory in Canada a week ago, kept teammate Fernando Alonso at bay for the whole race to move 10 points clear in the championship standings.

The 22-year-old, scoring his seventh podium finish in seven Formula One starts, had started from pole position, going on to complete a perfect week in America.

"What a dream," said a delighted Hamilton. "To come into two circuits that I didn't know, first time, to really come out with such pace and see the team moving forward and being competitive.

"They have done a fantastic job. This wouldn't have been possible without them, and the guys here did a fantastic job.

"It is a perfect team and I am glad I put the icing on the cake.

"Really I am just extremely pleased and proud of the team. I never thought in a million years I would be here against these drivers here. It is a great leap in my career and my life, I am thankful to my family and the guardians of the team."

Hamilton admitted it was tough to keep Alonso behind him, especially during the second stint, when Alonso was right behind the Briton.

"The first couple of laps were close and then I managed to pull a slight gap and maintain it, and in the middle stint my tyres started to grain so Fernando was right up my tail," Hamilton added.

"It was extremely difficult, he was in my slipstream, it was very tough but he fought very well, very professional but in the end I was able to pull a gap, maintain it and win the race."

Hamilton has now scored 58 points in seven races, ten more than Alonso and 19 more than Ferrari's Felipe Massa.