Lewis Hamilton: US Grand Prix win proves I'm still one of F1's best drivers after beating Sebastian Vettel We would have had a lot more wins but for the problems we have had. But this makes the rest disappear and allows us to move forward and smile. Hamilton's win - his 21st for McLaren but his first since he announced his intention to quit for Mercedes - reminded everyone of the gamble he is taking by leaving a team such as McLaren. But it also served as a stark reminder of what the Woking outfit will be missing next year. The worrying form of Sauber's Sergio Perez, who has failed to score a point in the six races since he was announced as Hamilton's replacement for 2013, has only added to the impression that McLaren will be far poorer for Hamilton's absence. "It's going to be a tricky seat for Checo to fill," admitted Jenson Button, Hamilton's current team-mate. I have a feeling he will be competitive, but of course he doesn't have the experience and I don't think he will be fighting at the front at the start of next season. It is a massive ask. Hamilton will hope to magnify McLaren's sense of loss by winning his final race for the team in Brazil on Sunday. He has never won before at Interlagos, despite the track holding fond memories for him as the scene of his 2008 title triumph. "Regardless of what happens, I am leaving on a high," he said.