Hamilton happy with third place: 'We show resilience with Mercedes'

In the battle for second place in the championship, the weekend could not have started better for Lewis Hamilton in Austin. Although the Mercedes driver finished third in qualifying for the United States Grand Prix, he did a lot better than Sergio Perez - the Red Bull Racing Mexican who has a 30-point lead in the title race. Indeed, Perez will start ninth on Sunday.

Of course, what Hamilton would have loved most was standing with that mini tyre from Pirelli in his hands; the memento of achieving pole. " We all strive to finish first," Hamilton said. But he was ultimately satisfied with spot three. "I think it'll be just a showing of resilience and strength and depth from our team. I think we had a difficult year last year. Even to start of this year, we didn't expect to be where we are. (ahead of two Red Bulls, as Verstappen also starts behind Hamilton, ed.)."

Can Hamilton beat Perez?

"I don't know whether or not we'll catch Sergio, but given the difference of our cars throughout the season, I'm really proud of the work that we've done. We've just got to keep our heads down, keep fighting, keep pushing. Like Charles said, they have a lot of work to do as we do. So it's a race for development and it's who can get to the top of the mountain for next year, I guess." Hamilton said.

To triumph in his beloved United States - where Hamilton has already won the US Grand Prix six times - he will have to deal with Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris on Sunday. His finished first and second respectively in qualifying.