Lewis Hamilton wins 6th F1 championship to move closer to all-time legend Michael Schumacher

(CNN) Lewis Hamilton clinched his sixth world title with second place behind Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas in the US Grand Prix Sunday to become the second most successful driver in Formula One history.

Hamiton was overtaken by Bottas in the closing stages of the 56-lap race at the Circuit of Americas in Texas with Red Bull's Max Verstappen taking the final spot on the podium.

Hamilton's 10th victory of the season in Mexico last weekend had left him needing just four points to achieve an unassailable lead in the standings and he duly delivered.

"What an incredible weekend, I can't believe it, I really can't believe it," said Hamilton over race radio at the finish of a punishing race.

Only Michael Schumacher with seven world titles stands ahead of Hamilton, who has surpassed the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio in the all-time list.

Bottas, who started from pole, with Hamilton only fifth on the grid, was winning for the fourth time this season, hitting the front for the final time with three laps to go to complete a fine victory, the seventh of his career.

"It's a good win," said the Finn. "Personally, I failed on my target this year, but Lewis deserves it. He's had a good season."

Mercedes gambled on a one-stop pit strategy for Hamilton, but with fading tires he was unable to hold off the charging Bottas and was hanging on for second spot from Verstappen at the finish.