United States GP: Lewis Hamilton says first Austin win an honour

The British driver started from second position and eventually managed to pass leader Vettel on lap 43, after having chased him since the start of the race.

Hamilton, the last winner in the United States when the race was held at Indianapolis, took his fourth win of the 2012 season.

"It has been a great weekend," admitted Hamilton. "To be able to beat Red Bull and Sebastian is definitely a tough challenge but we managed to do it.

"We were not so bad in the first stint but it was very difficult to follow and get past.

"My tyres went off and then we pitted two laps before Seb and he came out quite far ahead, but traffic worked out quite well for once. Traffic usually catches me out, so I was glad it worked slightly in my favour.

"What a great feeling to win the first grand prix back here in the States, so I am massively proud."

Hamilton is already out of the championship fight in fourth place, a position he could improve on if he outscores Kimi Raikkonen by 16 points in Brazil.

The McLaren driver will compete in his final race with the team in Brazil, where he is hoping to be on top again.

"It is exciting we have quite car and compete again with these guys," said the Briton. "I am not fighting for the championship so it is more exciting for these guys - but I can have fun."