Hamilton bests Vettel in U.S. Grand Prix

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 18 (UPI) -- Lewis Hamilton passed Formula One points leader Sebastian Vettel on the 42nd lap Sunday and held on for his second United States Grand Prix title.

Hamilton finished 0.6 seconds ahead of pole-sitter Vettel in the inaugural race on the new Circuit of the Americas road course at Austin, Texas.

Hamilton -- who last won the USGP in 2007 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway -- logged his fourth win of the season and the 21st of his F1 career.

Fernando Alonso claimed third place, falling 13 points behind two-time defending champion Vettel heading into next week's season-ending Brazil Grand Prix.