As cars spun and collided across the wide first turn of the Circuit of the Americas, shards of carbon fibre were sent careening across the track. A huge piece was propelled directly at Hamilton’s helmet, but once again, the titanium Halo was on hand to deflect the debris away from the British driver.

Hamilton and his Ferrari emerged from the melee undamaged, claiming fourth place in the Saturday Sprint. With both McLarens wiped out in the four-car crash, reigning champion Max Verstappen was able to calmly claim the win. It was a feat that would be repeated in the Sunday race. The Dutchman once again romped to victory to close the gap to Piastri and Norris, while Hamilton earned another respectable fourth place finish.

“It was pretty wild into Turn 1,” Hamilton revealed during an interview with Sky Sports F1 after the sprint race. “I managed to avoid the drama at Turn 1, just. I didn’t position my car particularly well.

“I saw Alonso on the inside, so I went a bit to the right and left the door open to Charles. Lots of improvement still to be made. Otherwise, the start was good.”