Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel ended his year-long drought without a win at the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday, mastering a hazy circuit to claim a record fifth triumph in the city-state.&nbsp;

The German was chased home by teammate Charles Leclerc, who started on pole but lost the lead to the four-time world champion after making his pit stop, and Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who finished third.

"It was a very late call on the pit stop and I just gave it everything on the out lap. I was surprised to come out ahead and it was difficult to manage the tyres but we controlled it to the end," Vettel told reporters.

Championship leader Lewis Hamilton finished fourth but extended his advantage over fellow Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas to 65 points, with six races remaining, after the Finn finished in fifth.

The race got off to a clean start with the top six retaining their grid positions despite Vettel putting immense pressure on second-placed Hamilton in the opening lap.

While a few drivers were shifting position further down the field, the frontrunners were maintaining a one-second gap between each other as Leclerc set a slow pace to make his soft tyres last as long as possible.

Ferrari and Red Bull were the first of the big teams to bring their cars in for pit stops as Vettel and Verstappen were fitted with the more durable hard tyres on lap 20, with Leclerc following suit on the next lap.

Leclerc, however, was dismayed to leave the pits behind Vettel.&nbsp;

Hamilton stayed out on track in the lead to set about forging a big enough gap to retain the lead when it was his turn to come in.

But Vettel, Leclerc and Verstappen were lapping much quicker than Hamilton and when the Briton finally stopped seven laps after his rivals, he emerged in a distant fourth place.

Hamilton's only hope of victory was to capitalise on his rivals' degraded tyres late in the race.&nbsp;

But three safety car periods -- when both George Russell and Sergio Perez stopped on the track, and when Daniil Kvyat collided with Kimi Raikkonen -- allowed the front three plenty of time to cool their rubber.

Ferrari will be delighted to have recorded a one-two finish at a circuit they were not expected to muster a podium finish.

But Leclerc was unhappy with the pit strategy that dashed his hopes of a hat-trick after wins in Belgium and Italy.

"I won't do anything stupid, I want us to finish one-two," Leclerc told Ferrari over the radio when he was behind the second safety car. "I just don't think it's fair."

Smog from forest fires in neighbouring Indonesia has shrouded Singapore over the past week, and on Sunday air quality dipped to unhealthy levels ahead of the race.

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel ended his year-long drought without a win at the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday, mastering a hazy circuit to claim a record fifth triumph in the city-state.

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel ended his year-long drought without a win at the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday, mastering a hazy circuit to claim a record fifth triumph in the city-state. The German was chased home by teammate Charles Leclerc, who started on pole but lost the lead to the four-time world champion after making his pit stop, and Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who finished third. "It was a very late call on the pit stop and I just gave it everything on the out lap. I was surprised to come out ahead and it was difficult to manage the tyres but we controlled it to the end," Vettel told reporters. Championship leader Lewis Hamilton finished fourth but extended his advantage over fellow Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas to 65 points, with six races remaining, after the Finn finished in fifth. The race got off to a clean start with the top six retaining their grid positions despite Vettel putting immense pressure on second-placed Hamilton in the opening lap. While a few drivers were shifting position further down the field, the frontrunners were maintaining a one-second gap between each other as Leclerc set a slow pace to make his soft tyres last as long as possible. Ferrari and Red Bull were the first of the big teams to bring their cars in for pit stops as Vettel and Verstappen were fitted with the more durable hard tyres on lap 20, with Leclerc following suit on the next lap. Leclerc, however, was dismayed to leave the pits behind Vettel. Hamilton stayed out on track in the lead to set about forging a big enough gap to retain the lead when it was his turn to come in. But Vettel, Leclerc and Verstappen were lapping much quicker than Hamilton and when the Briton finally stopped seven laps after his rivals, he emerged in a distant fourth place. Hamilton's only hope of victory was to capitalise on his rivals' degraded tyres late in the race. But three safety car periods -- when both George Russell and Sergio Perez stopped on the track, and when Daniil Kvyat collided with Kimi Raikkonen -- allowed the front three plenty of time to cool their rubber. Ferrari will be delighted to have recorded a one-two finish at a circuit they were not expected to muster a podium finish. But Leclerc was unhappy with the pit strategy that dashed his hopes of a hat-trick after wins in Belgium and Italy. "I won't do anything stupid, I want us to finish one-two," Leclerc told Ferrari over the radio when he was behind the second safety car. "I just don't think it's fair." Smog from forest fires in neighbouring Indonesia has shrouded Singapore over the past week, and on Sunday air quality dipped to unhealthy levels ahead of the race.

Sebastian Vettel ends long wait for victory with Singapore triumph

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc took his third successive Formula One pole position on Saturday with Mercedes' world champion Lewis Hamilton joining the youngster on the front row for the Singapore Grand Prix.

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, who was fastest after the first flying laps in the final session of qualifying, made mistakes on his last effort and qualified third with Red Bull's Max Verstappen fourth.

Leclerc, 21, also started on pole in Belgium and Italy and won both races.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc took his third successive Formula One pole position on Saturday with Mercedes' world champion Lewis Hamilton joining the youngster on the front row for the Singapore Grand Prix.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc took his third successive Formula One pole position on Saturday with Mercedes' world champion Lewis Hamilton joining the youngster on the front row for the Singapore Grand Prix. Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, who was fastest after the first flying laps in the final session of qualifying, made mistakes on his last effort and qualified third with Red Bull's Max Verstappen fourth. Leclerc, 21, also started on pole in Belgium and Italy and won both races.

Charles Leclerc stuns with pole hat-trick in Singapore

Sebastian Vettel led Ferrari’s charge in practice for the Singapore Grand Prix on Friday but the German’s Formula One victory drought, already more than a year long, still looked set to continue.

The German, whose 52nd and last win came at the 2018 Belgian Grand Prix, was second and third fastest on the timesheets in Friday’s two sessions at the Marina Bay track.

Team mate Charles Leclerc, who eclipsed Vettel with successive wins in Belgium and Italy, was 19th in the first session after being sidelined by a gearbox failure and sixth in the second.

While Vettel was just 0.167 seconds off pace-setter Max Verstappen’s Red Bull over the first 90 minutes, he was nearly a second off the pace set by Mercedes' championship leader Lewis Hamilton in the floodlit night-time running.

Ferrari's car was aerodynamically well-suited to the flat-out blasts of the Spa-Francorchamps and Monza circuits but the twisty Marina Bay street track, with more corners than any other circuit, has shifted the balance away from the Italian team.

"I think Mercedes was very strong today," said Vettel. "Everybody could see that, not just on one lap and not just on the timing tables.

"I think overall they were a bit faster. On our side we can do better, we can improve the car so let's see."

Vettel has won four times in Singapore, the same as five-times world champion Hamilton with the pair the most successful drivers at the event.

His last win in the city state came in 2015, his first year with Ferrari.

The German heads into this weekend’s race off the back of a scrappy display at Monza, Ferrari's home race, where he spun off and was sanctioned by stewards for rejoining the track dangerously.

That was the latest in a series of mistakes going back to last year’s German Grand Prix and he is now 13 points behind Leclerc in the standings.

The German's current form has fuelled speculation, despite his statements to the contrary, that he might not see out his Ferrari contract which runs out at the end of 2020.

"Certainly not the best one right now,” said Vettel when asked if this was the worst point of his career. "But also it’s not the worst one either.&nbsp;

"I still love racing and I look forward to a lot of races this year to hopefully get in a better position and finish the season in the way we want.&nbsp;

"Then prepare for next year."

Sebastian Vettel led Ferrari’s charge in practice for the Singapore Grand Prix on Friday but the German’s Formula One victory drought, already more than a year long, still looked set to continue.

Sebastian Vettel led Ferrari’s charge in practice for the Singapore Grand Prix on Friday but the German’s Formula One victory drought, already more than a year long, still looked set to continue. The German, whose 52nd and last win came at the 2018 Belgian Grand Prix, was second and third fastest on the timesheets in Friday’s two sessions at the Marina Bay track. Team mate Charles Leclerc, who eclipsed Vettel with successive wins in Belgium and Italy, was 19th in the first session after being sidelined by a gearbox failure and sixth in the second. While Vettel was just 0.167 seconds off pace-setter Max Verstappen’s Red Bull over the first 90 minutes, he was nearly a second off the pace set by Mercedes' championship leader Lewis Hamilton in the floodlit night-time running. Ferrari's car was aerodynamically well-suited to the flat-out blasts of the Spa-Francorchamps and Monza circuits but the twisty Marina Bay street track, with more corners than any other circuit, has shifted the balance away from the Italian team. "I think Mercedes was very strong today," said Vettel. "Everybody could see that, not just on one lap and not just on the timing tables. "I think overall they were a bit faster. On our side we can do better, we can improve the car so let's see." Vettel has won four times in Singapore, the same as five-times world champion Hamilton with the pair the most successful drivers at the event. His last win in the city state came in 2015, his first year with Ferrari. The German heads into this weekend’s race off the back of a scrappy display at Monza, Ferrari's home race, where he spun off and was sanctioned by stewards for rejoining the track dangerously. That was the latest in a series of mistakes going back to last year’s German Grand Prix and he is now 13 points behind Leclerc in the standings. The German's current form has fuelled speculation, despite his statements to the contrary, that he might not see out his Ferrari contract which runs out at the end of 2020. "Certainly not the best one right now,” said Vettel when asked if this was the worst point of his career. "But also it’s not the worst one either. "I still love racing and I look forward to a lot of races this year to hopefully get in a better position and finish the season in the way we want. "Then prepare for next year."

Sebastian Vettel leads Ferrari's Singapore charge but Mercedes on top

Lewis Hamilton plans to have a private word with Ferrari's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/charles-leclerc-holds-off-mercedes-pursuit-to-give-ferrari-monza-win-248486">Charles Leclerc</a> after being squeezed off the track by the I<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/charles-leclerc-holds-off-mercedes-pursuit-to-give-ferrari-monza-win-248486">talian Grand Prix winner</a> on Sunday.

Stewards showed the 21-year-old Monegasque the black and white flag, equivalent to a yellow card in football, after he closed the door on Hamilton as Mercedes's five-times world champion tried to pass.

"He didn't leave me a car's width there, he pushed me off," exclaimed Hamilton over the team radio.

Speaking to reporters later, the runaway championship leader, who finished the race third, said he just wanted consistency from stewards.

"There was a rule put in place, and then it wasn’t abided by today and they used difference consequences for the rule today but I don't really know why that was the case," explained the Briton.

"I guess the stewards woke up on a different side of the bed this morning. I don’t know."

Hamilton nonetheless congratulated Leclerc on a job well done, the 21-year-old polesitter taking his second win for Ferrari in the space of eight days after a first triumph in Belgium.

"I gave him as much pressure as I could and we had a couple of close moments, we could probably talk about it in private together but it’s nothing major and we continue to race," he said. "I’m looking forward to many more races together."

Leclerc had led through the first corner, with Hamilton slotting into second and giving chase.

The two duelled, going wheel to wheel at times, until Hamilton's tyres faded.

Leclerc said he thought he had left enough room but acknowledged also that he had taken a more aggressive approach to his racing since losing out to Red Bull's Max Verstappen in Austria.

In that race, the Dutchman forced Leclerc wide but kept the win after a stewards' enquiry.

"I think since Austria it’s clear that we can go a bit further in the way that we defend and overtake," said the Monegasque.

"I believe that Austria helped me to change this approach and today it’s also thanks to this that I’ve managed to win. It was obviously very on-the-limit but I’m happy to race like this."

Lewis Hamilton plans to have a private word with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc after being squeezed off the track by the Italian Grand Prix winner on Sunday. Stewards showed the 21-year-old Monegasque the black and white flag, equivalent to a yellow card in football, after he closed the door on Hamilton as Mercedes's five-times world champion tried to pass.

Lewis Hamilton plans to have a private word with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc after being squeezed off the track by the Italian Grand Prix winner on Sunday. Stewards showed the 21-year-old Monegasque the black and white flag, equivalent to a yellow card in football, after he closed the door on Hamilton as Mercedes's five-times world champion tried to pass. "He didn't leave me a car's width there, he pushed me off," exclaimed Hamilton over the team radio. Speaking to reporters later, the runaway championship leader, who finished the race third, said he just wanted consistency from stewards. "There was a rule put in place, and then it wasn’t abided by today and they used difference consequences for the rule today but I don't really know why that was the case," explained the Briton. "I guess the stewards woke up on a different side of the bed this morning. I don’t know." Hamilton nonetheless congratulated Leclerc on a job well done, the 21-year-old polesitter taking his second win for Ferrari in the space of eight days after a first triumph in Belgium. "I gave him as much pressure as I could and we had a couple of close moments, we could probably talk about it in private together but it’s nothing major and we continue to race," he said. "I’m looking forward to many more races together." Leclerc had led through the first corner, with Hamilton slotting into second and giving chase. The two duelled, going wheel to wheel at times, until Hamilton's tyres faded. Leclerc said he thought he had left enough room but acknowledged also that he had taken a more aggressive approach to his racing since losing out to Red Bull's Max Verstappen in Austria. In that race, the Dutchman forced Leclerc wide but kept the win after a stewards' enquiry. "I think since Austria it’s clear that we can go a bit further in the way that we defend and overtake," said the Monegasque. "I believe that Austria helped me to change this approach and today it’s also thanks to this that I’ve managed to win. It was obviously very on-the-limit but I’m happy to race like this."

Lewis Hamilton wants a word with Charles Leclerc about Monza squeeze

Charles Leclerc secured pole for Ferrari in the Italian Grand Prix in shambolic circumstances on Saturday when only two cars participated in the final qualifying showdown laps.

An unprecedented ‘cat-and-mouse’ procession as the teams crawled round the circuit, backing each other up to claim good slipstreaming positions, resulted in a farce that saw eight cars timed out by the chequered flag.

"A big mess," said Leclerc, who took pole ahead of defending five-time champion Lewis Hamilton.

The Monegasque and Carlos Sainz of McLaren were the only drivers to produce final qualifying runs after clocking lap-times on their first runs in Q3.&nbsp;

The stewards immediately declared that the shambolic failure at the end of the session was under investigation, the teams having failed to deliver a contest for the paying public.

"Today, to see so many people here feels amazing,” said a happy Leclerc, who claimed his maiden victory at last week’s tragic Belgian Grand Prix where he dedicated his win to the memory of his late friend Anthoine Hubert, who was killed in the previous day’s F2 race.

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1979 F1 world champion Jody Scheckter presents <a href="https://twitter.com/Charles_Leclerc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Charles_Leclerc</a> with his <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PirelliPolePositionAward?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PirelliPolePositionAward</a> 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ItalianGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ItalianGP</a> 🇮🇹 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/pirellisport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pirellisport</a> <a href="https://t.co/gkBoGa9CZS">pic.twitter.com/gkBoGa9CZS</a>
— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/1170343917742632961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"I am happy with pole, but disappointed at the end.

"Honestly, I have to be grateful we're on the front row to have a fight with the Ferraris," said Hamilton.

"It’s a bit of an anti-climax, but we just timed out."

Valtteri Bottas qualified third in the second Mercedes ahead of Sebastian Vettel in the second Ferrari, the two Renaults of Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hulkenberg and Sainz, who was seventh.

Red Bull new boy Alex Albon was eighth ahead of Lance Stroll of Racing Point and Kimi Raikkonen of Alfa Romeo, both of whom failed to clock a time in Q3 when Raikkonen crashed. He was uninjured.

Bottas said he and Mercedes had been unlucky to be trapped in the bunched traffic.

"The yellow flag in the last corner meant we probably missed the pole."

Charles Leclerc secured pole for Ferrari in the Italian Grand Prix in shambolic circumstances on Saturday when only two cars participated in the final qualifying showdown laps.

Charles Leclerc secured pole for Ferrari in the Italian Grand Prix in shambolic circumstances on Saturday when only two cars participated in the final qualifying showdown laps. An unprecedented ‘cat-and-mouse’ procession as the teams crawled round the circuit, backing each other up to claim good slipstreaming positions, resulted in a farce that saw eight cars timed out by the chequered flag. "A big mess," said Leclerc, who took pole ahead of defending five-time champion Lewis Hamilton. The Monegasque and Carlos Sainz of McLaren were the only drivers to produce final qualifying runs after clocking lap-times on their first runs in Q3. The stewards immediately declared that the shambolic failure at the end of the session was under investigation, the teams having failed to deliver a contest for the paying public. "Today, to see so many people here feels amazing,” said a happy Leclerc, who claimed his maiden victory at last week’s tragic Belgian Grand Prix where he dedicated his win to the memory of his late friend Anthoine Hubert, who was killed in the previous day’s F2 race. 1979 F1 world champion Jody Scheckter presents @Charles_Leclerc with his #PirelliPolePositionAward 👏#ItalianGP 🇮🇹 #F1 @pirellisport pic.twitter.com/gkBoGa9CZS — Formula 1 (@F1) September 7, 2019 × "I am happy with pole, but disappointed at the end. "Honestly, I have to be grateful we're on the front row to have a fight with the Ferraris," said Hamilton. "It’s a bit of an anti-climax, but we just timed out." Valtteri Bottas qualified third in the second Mercedes ahead of Sebastian Vettel in the second Ferrari, the two Renaults of Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hulkenberg and Sainz, who was seventh. Red Bull new boy Alex Albon was eighth ahead of Lance Stroll of Racing Point and Kimi Raikkonen of Alfa Romeo, both of whom failed to clock a time in Q3 when Raikkonen crashed. He was uninjured. Bottas said he and Mercedes had been unlucky to be trapped in the bunched traffic. "The yellow flag in the last corner meant we probably missed the pole."

Italian Grand Prix: Charles Leclerc on Monza pole after qualifying 'mess'

Daniel Ricciardo has appealed for "more adult" behaviour and understanding from Formula One fans following an outbreak of cheers when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-crash-causes-red-flag-stoppage-at-spa-practice-246848">Lewis Hamilton crashed</a> in practice at last weekend's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ferraris-charles-leclerc-wins-belgian-gp-for-first-race-victory-247028">Belgian Grand Prix</a>.

Speaking at Monza, ahead of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, the Renault driver said he supported Hamilton's comments made after his accident in third practice last Saturday morning, just hours before the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-racer-anthoine-hubert-dies-after-formula-two-crash-organisers-246905">death of French driver Anthoine Hubert</a> in a Formula Two race.

The defending five-time world champion skidded off-circuit and into the barriers at Spa-Francorchamps where massed groups of rival teams' fans – many of them supporting Max Verstappen -- revelled in his misfortune.

Hamilton was unhurt.

In an Instagram post, the Briton said, "If a single one of you watching and enjoying this sport think for a second what we do is safe your hugely mistaken.

"All these drivers put their life on the line when they hit the track and people need to appreciate that in a serious way because it is not appreciated enough."

Ricciardo, who admitted he was unsure he felt motivated to race on Sunday following <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/family-and-motor-racing-teams-pay-tribute-to-anthoine-hubert-247020">Hubert's death</a>, said he agreed with Hamilton and suggested it was childish to cheer when a driver crashed.

"Whether you like someone or not, it is not nice to cheer for someone's downfall or mistake," said the Australian. "He (Hamilton) thinks the crowd assume the crash happens and we are ok, or whatever, and it is not like that.

"Every time we go on track, there is a risk and every time we do hit a wall, whether we are ok or not, it still plays something on your mind when you crash.

"Every time you go back to that corner, maybe there is something psychological there. So it does have an impact, one way or the other, physically or mentally, and I guess that is where he was coming from with that.

"I do agree with him, but it is also so hard because the fans, unless you race and put yourself in that position, they never experience what we do.

"It is just the nature of being a fan of a sport you don't compete in. It is hard to grasp or understand.

"All we can ask for is that if you are a fan, then be a true fan and respect what we do -- not only the skill, but also the risk. That is probably all we can ask."

He added that it was understandable that fans had favourites and there was some rivalry.

"You don't have to like every driver," he went on. "But to behave like that – you would expect if from kids, not adults. You would hope they behave better."

Daniel Ricciardo has appealed for "more adult" behaviour and understanding from Formula One fans following an outbreak of cheers when Lewis Hamilton crashed in practice at last weekend's Belgian Grand Prix.

Daniel Ricciardo has appealed for "more adult" behaviour and understanding from Formula One fans following an outbreak of cheers when Lewis Hamilton crashed in practice at last weekend's Belgian Grand Prix. Speaking at Monza, ahead of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix, the Renault driver said he supported Hamilton's comments made after his accident in third practice last Saturday morning, just hours before the death of French driver Anthoine Hubert in a Formula Two race. The defending five-time world champion skidded off-circuit and into the barriers at Spa-Francorchamps where massed groups of rival teams' fans – many of them supporting Max Verstappen -- revelled in his misfortune. Hamilton was unhurt. In an Instagram post, the Briton said, "If a single one of you watching and enjoying this sport think for a second what we do is safe your hugely mistaken. "All these drivers put their life on the line when they hit the track and people need to appreciate that in a serious way because it is not appreciated enough." Ricciardo, who admitted he was unsure he felt motivated to race on Sunday following Hubert's death, said he agreed with Hamilton and suggested it was childish to cheer when a driver crashed. "Whether you like someone or not, it is not nice to cheer for someone's downfall or mistake," said the Australian. "He (Hamilton) thinks the crowd assume the crash happens and we are ok, or whatever, and it is not like that. "Every time we go on track, there is a risk and every time we do hit a wall, whether we are ok or not, it still plays something on your mind when you crash. "Every time you go back to that corner, maybe there is something psychological there. So it does have an impact, one way or the other, physically or mentally, and I guess that is where he was coming from with that. "I do agree with him, but it is also so hard because the fans, unless you race and put yourself in that position, they never experience what we do. "It is just the nature of being a fan of a sport you don't compete in. It is hard to grasp or understand. "All we can ask for is that if you are a fan, then be a true fan and respect what we do -- not only the skill, but also the risk. That is probably all we can ask." He added that it was understandable that fans had favourites and there was some rivalry. "You don't have to like every driver," he went on. "But to behave like that – you would expect if from kids, not adults. You would hope they behave better."

Daniel Ricciardo backs Lewis Hamilton over fans cheering crash

Anthoine Hubert's family and the motor sport world came together at Spa Francorchamps, Belgium on Sunday (September 1) to pay tribute to the French driver who was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-racer-anthoine-hubert-dies-after-formula-two-crash-organisers-246905">tragically killed at the circuit</a> during a race on Saturday (August 30).

Hubert was killed after a huge impact with the car of Juan Manuel Correa whilst travelling at around 170 miles per hour at the Raidillon swerves part of the circuit.

Hubert's mother and brother held the helmet of the 22-year-old during a minute's silence prior to the Formula Three race, as they were joined by drivers and manufacturers.

Four-time Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc, who will start on pole for Sunday's Grand Prix, were in attendance alongside their Ferrari team.

Numerous drivers, including reigning Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, have expressed their condolences to Hubert and his family.

Hubert, who was part of the Renault F1 young driver programme, was taken to the medical centre after the crash but succumbed to his injuries.

Correa is in intensive care but his condition is stable.

A minute's silence will also be held prior to the F1 race, and a video of Hubert will be played around the circuit's big screens.

Anthoine Hubert's family and the motor sport world came together at Spa Francorchamps, Belgium on Sunday (September 1) to pay tribute to the French driver who was tragically killed at the circuit during a race on Saturday (August 30).

Anthoine Hubert's family and the motor sport world came together at Spa Francorchamps, Belgium on Sunday (September 1) to pay tribute to the French driver who was tragically killed at the circuit during a race on Saturday (August 30). Hubert was killed after a huge impact with the car of Juan Manuel Correa whilst travelling at around 170 miles per hour at the Raidillon swerves part of the circuit. Hubert's mother and brother held the helmet of the 22-year-old during a minute's silence prior to the Formula Three race, as they were joined by drivers and manufacturers. Four-time Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc, who will start on pole for Sunday's Grand Prix, were in attendance alongside their Ferrari team. Numerous drivers, including reigning Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, have expressed their condolences to Hubert and his family. Hubert, who was part of the Renault F1 young driver programme, was taken to the medical centre after the crash but succumbed to his injuries. Correa is in intensive care but his condition is stable. A minute's silence will also be held prior to the F1 race, and a video of Hubert will be played around the circuit's big screens.

Family and motor racing teams pay tribute to Anthoine Hubert

Charles Leclerc set the pace ahead of teammate Sebastian Vettel to complete a practice clean sweep for Ferrari on Saturday even as championship leader Lewis Hamilton crashed.

The Monegasque, who was also fastest on the opening day of practice on Friday, lapped the 7-km long Spa-Francorchamps track in one minute, 44.206 seconds.

Vettel, hoping to end his victory drought that goes back to last year’s Belgian race, was 0.451 seconds off the pace.

Hamilton, who leads Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas by 62 points in the overall standings, ended his session in the barriers.

The 34-year-old’s car snapped out of control under braking for turn 12 and ploughed into the tyre wall.

Hamilton’s car sustained heavy damage, including a wrecked front suspension.

But a Mercedes spokesman said the team should be able to get the car repaired in time for qualifying.

With Hamilton out, it was left to Bottas to lead the Mercedes charge.

The Finn, confirmed alongside Lewis Hamilton at the world champion team for another year on Thursday, was third but nearly half a second off the pace.

Daniel Ricciardo was an impressive fourth for Renault ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.

Sergio Perez, fresh from signing a new three year deal with Racing Point, was sixth ahead of Hamilton, whose time before he crashed was good enough for seventh.

Kimi Raikkonen led Alfa Romeo teammate Antonio Giovinazzi in eighth.

Pierre Gasly, demoted from Red Bull to Toro Rosso, rounded out the top ten.

Ferrari, still hunting for their first win of the year, have struggled around twisty tracks this season.

But their car has been better suited to high-speed layouts like Spa, which will host Sunday’s race.

That track and Monza, where Ferrari’s home Italian Grand Prix will be held the week after, have been singled out as the two best opportunities for the team to shine.

Charles Leclerc set the pace ahead of teammate Sebastian Vettel to complete a practice clean sweep for Ferrari on Saturday even as championship leader Lewis Hamilton crashed.

Charles Leclerc set the pace ahead of teammate Sebastian Vettel to complete a practice clean sweep for Ferrari on Saturday even as championship leader Lewis Hamilton crashed. The Monegasque, who was also fastest on the opening day of practice on Friday, lapped the 7-km long Spa-Francorchamps track in one minute, 44.206 seconds. Vettel, hoping to end his victory drought that goes back to last year’s Belgian race, was 0.451 seconds off the pace. Hamilton, who leads Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas by 62 points in the overall standings, ended his session in the barriers. The 34-year-old’s car snapped out of control under braking for turn 12 and ploughed into the tyre wall. Hamilton’s car sustained heavy damage, including a wrecked front suspension. But a Mercedes spokesman said the team should be able to get the car repaired in time for qualifying. With Hamilton out, it was left to Bottas to lead the Mercedes charge. The Finn, confirmed alongside Lewis Hamilton at the world champion team for another year on Thursday, was third but nearly half a second off the pace. Daniel Ricciardo was an impressive fourth for Renault ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. Sergio Perez, fresh from signing a new three year deal with Racing Point, was sixth ahead of Hamilton, whose time before he crashed was good enough for seventh. Kimi Raikkonen led Alfa Romeo teammate Antonio Giovinazzi in eighth. Pierre Gasly, demoted from Red Bull to Toro Rosso, rounded out the top ten. Ferrari, still hunting for their first win of the year, have struggled around twisty tracks this season. But their car has been better suited to high-speed layouts like Spa, which will host Sunday’s race. That track and Monza, where Ferrari’s home Italian Grand Prix will be held the week after, have been singled out as the two best opportunities for the team to shine.

Charles Leclerc completes Ferrari practice sweep, Hamilton crashes

Practice at Spa was brought to an abrupt halt on Saturday after Lewis Hamilton crashed his Mercedes into a wall.

The championship leader and defending five-time world champion was unhurt and climbed out of his car as the red flag came out to suspend the third free practice session.

Hamilton lost control of the car at high speed at the Les Fagnes chicane in a heavy collision with the tyre-protected barriers.

"I’m in the wall guys," said Hamilton. "Sorry."

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The championship leader is out of the car and confirms he is ok following his crash at Turn 12 👍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BelgianGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BelgianGP</a> 🇧🇪 <a href="https://t.co/k4LotqdLD7">pic.twitter.com/k4LotqdLD7</a>
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His car appeared to be badly damaged around the front and the left front wheel and looked as if it may need substantial repairs, or a chassis change, for the Briton to take part in qualifying scheduled for later on Saturday.

Hamilton was taken back to the paddock while the car was transported away on the back of an open truck which showed severe damage to both front wheels.

Practice at Spa was brought to an abrupt halt on Saturday after Lewis Hamilton crashed his Mercedes into a wall. The championship leader and defending five-time world champion was unhurt and climbed out of his car as the red flag came out to suspend the third free practice session.

Practice at Spa was brought to an abrupt halt on Saturday after Lewis Hamilton crashed his Mercedes into a wall. The championship leader and defending five-time world champion was unhurt and climbed out of his car as the red flag came out to suspend the third free practice session. Hamilton lost control of the car at high speed at the Les Fagnes chicane in a heavy collision with the tyre-protected barriers. "I’m in the wall guys," said Hamilton. "Sorry." The championship leader is out of the car and confirms he is ok following his crash at Turn 12 👍#F1 #BelgianGP 🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/k4LotqdLD7 — Formula 1 (@F1) August 31, 2019 × His car appeared to be badly damaged around the front and the left front wheel and looked as if it may need substantial repairs, or a chassis change, for the Briton to take part in qualifying scheduled for later on Saturday. Hamilton was taken back to the paddock while the car was transported away on the back of an open truck which showed severe damage to both front wheels.

Lewis Hamilton crash causes red-flag stoppage at Spa practice

Birthday boy Valtteri Bottas did not need a reason to celebrate but confirmation he would be staying at Formula One champions Mercedes next season gave him another excuse to party.

The Finn turned 30 on Wednesday and had already marked the milestone with a party a day earlier.

Mercedes’ decision to retain him alongside five-time world champion Lewis Hamilton for another season, which was announced on Thursday but had been signed and sealed the weekend before, only made the celebrations sweeter.

“Obviously, 30, it happens only once in a lifetime,” the Finn told reporters at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit on Thursday shortly after the Mercedes announcement ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix.

“There is always a good excuse to throw a party, but that’s a good excuse, it was good, I enjoyed it.

“I knew by then, everything was done by then, so it was actually nice to celebrate with the closest people.

“Another good excuse.”

Bottas bounced back strongly from a winless 2018 campaign, opening this season with victory in the first race in Australia.

He has taken two wins and a further seven podiums from 12 races this season, though his last victory was at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in April and he has faded over recent races.

The Finn is second in the overall standings, 62 points adrift of Hamilton, who has won eight races, and facing a growing threat from Red Bull’s Max Verstappen who is seven points behind him in third.

Ocon Competition

Once considered a shoo-in for the Mercedes drive on the back of his early season form, Botttas faced competition from Mercedes-backed 22-year-old Esteban Ocon for his seat over recent weeks.

Mercedes boss Toto Wolff told reporters at the Hungarian Grand Prix before the August shut down that they would choose either Bottas or Ocon to be Hamilton’s team mate next season.

Bottas' improved form convinced Mercedes to retain him, with Ocon signing to drive alongside Daniel Ricciardo for Renault.

Bottas said he had begun to put a back-up plan in place in case Mercedes chose not to retain him.

“To be honest, going to the summer break, and in this sport you know once you’ve not signed, anything can happen...

“So for sure I was trying to make a plan for something else but then things started to go the right way...”

Hamilton, who has enjoyed a far more harmonious relationship with Bottas compared to the bitter rivalry he was embroiled in with the Finn’s predecessor Nico Rosberg, said Mercedes had made the right decision.

“Continuity is always a great thing,” said the Briton. “I really enjoy working with him in general. We get on well both outside and on the track.”

Birthday boy Valtteri Bottas did not need a reason to celebrate but confirmation he would be staying at Formula One champions Mercedes next season gave him another excuse to party.

Birthday boy Valtteri Bottas did not need a reason to celebrate but confirmation he would be staying at Formula One champions Mercedes next season gave him another excuse to party. The Finn turned 30 on Wednesday and had already marked the milestone with a party a day earlier. Mercedes’ decision to retain him alongside five-time world champion Lewis Hamilton for another season, which was announced on Thursday but had been signed and sealed the weekend before, only made the celebrations sweeter. “Obviously, 30, it happens only once in a lifetime,” the Finn told reporters at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit on Thursday shortly after the Mercedes announcement ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix. “There is always a good excuse to throw a party, but that’s a good excuse, it was good, I enjoyed it. “I knew by then, everything was done by then, so it was actually nice to celebrate with the closest people. “Another good excuse.” Bottas bounced back strongly from a winless 2018 campaign, opening this season with victory in the first race in Australia. He has taken two wins and a further seven podiums from 12 races this season, though his last victory was at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in April and he has faded over recent races. The Finn is second in the overall standings, 62 points adrift of Hamilton, who has won eight races, and facing a growing threat from Red Bull’s Max Verstappen who is seven points behind him in third. Ocon Competition Once considered a shoo-in for the Mercedes drive on the back of his early season form, Botttas faced competition from Mercedes-backed 22-year-old Esteban Ocon for his seat over recent weeks. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff told reporters at the Hungarian Grand Prix before the August shut down that they would choose either Bottas or Ocon to be Hamilton’s team mate next season. Bottas' improved form convinced Mercedes to retain him, with Ocon signing to drive alongside Daniel Ricciardo for Renault. Bottas said he had begun to put a back-up plan in place in case Mercedes chose not to retain him. “To be honest, going to the summer break, and in this sport you know once you’ve not signed, anything can happen... “So for sure I was trying to make a plan for something else but then things started to go the right way...” Hamilton, who has enjoyed a far more harmonious relationship with Bottas compared to the bitter rivalry he was embroiled in with the Finn’s predecessor Nico Rosberg, said Mercedes had made the right decision. “Continuity is always a great thing,” said the Briton. “I really enjoy working with him in general. We get on well both outside and on the track.”

Valtteri Bottas to remain at F1 champions Mercedes in 2020

Sebastian Vettel topped the times ahead of his team-mate Charles Leclerc as Ferrari set the pace ahead of Red Bull in Friday morning's opening free practice at this weekend's Belgian Formula One Grand Prix.&nbsp;

The four-time world champion clocked a best lap in one minute and 44.574 seconds to outpace Leclerc by two-tenths of a second, a performance that supported Italian hopes that their team can enjoy success on the high-speed Ardennes circuit.&nbsp;

In front of thousands of his 'orange army' of Dutch supporters, Max Verstappen was third, just under a second adrift of the lead and less than one-tenth of a second ahead of his new Red Bull team-mate Alex Albon, who was making his debut with the team following promotion from Toro Rosso.

Valtteri Bottas, who celebrated his 30th birthday this week with confirmation of a Mercedes contract extension for 2020, was fifth ahead of championship leader and defending five-time champion Lewis Hamilton.

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CLASSIFICATION - END OF FP2 
 
Another 1-2 for <a href="https://twitter.com/ScuderiaFerrari?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ScuderiaFerrari</a> - but this time it's <a href="https://twitter.com/Charles_Leclerc?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Charles_Leclerc</a> on top 
 
Hat-tip to <a href="https://twitter.com/SChecoPerez?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SChecoPerez</a> - although his session ends with what looked like overheating issues<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BelgianGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BelgianGP</a> 🇧🇪 <a href="https://t.co/aJdlW8CWsH">pic.twitter.com/aJdlW8CWsH</a>
— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/1167445762243989504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Both men were running Mercedes' upgraded power-unit for the first time, and Hamilton struggled with various issues including a throttle pedal problem and over-heating tyres in a frustrating session that saw him returning to the pits at regular intervals for adjustments and minor repairs.

Canadian Lance Stroll was seventh for Racing Point ahead of Daniel Ricciardo of Renault, Sergio Perez in the second Racing Point and Carlos Sainz of McLaren.

The session was run in mild and dry conditions with few interruptions apart from a brief use of the Virtual Safety Car (VSC) after the engine cover flew off Stroll's car on the Kemmel Straight and a spin for Toro Rosso's Daniil Kvyat.

Sebastian Vettel topped the times ahead of his team-mate Charles Leclerc as Ferrari set the pace ahead of Red Bull in Friday morning's opening free practice at this weekend's Belgian Formula One Grand Prix.

Sebastian Vettel topped the times ahead of his team-mate Charles Leclerc as Ferrari set the pace ahead of Red Bull in Friday morning's opening free practice at this weekend's Belgian Formula One Grand Prix. The four-time world champion clocked a best lap in one minute and 44.574 seconds to outpace Leclerc by two-tenths of a second, a performance that supported Italian hopes that their team can enjoy success on the high-speed Ardennes circuit. In front of thousands of his 'orange army' of Dutch supporters, Max Verstappen was third, just under a second adrift of the lead and less than one-tenth of a second ahead of his new Red Bull team-mate Alex Albon, who was making his debut with the team following promotion from Toro Rosso. Valtteri Bottas, who celebrated his 30th birthday this week with confirmation of a Mercedes contract extension for 2020, was fifth ahead of championship leader and defending five-time champion Lewis Hamilton. CLASSIFICATION - END OF FP2 Another 1-2 for @ScuderiaFerrari - but this time it's @Charles_Leclerc on top Hat-tip to @SChecoPerez - although his session ends with what looked like overheating issues#F1 #BelgianGP 🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/aJdlW8CWsH — Formula 1 (@F1) August 30, 2019 × Both men were running Mercedes' upgraded power-unit for the first time, and Hamilton struggled with various issues including a throttle pedal problem and over-heating tyres in a frustrating session that saw him returning to the pits at regular intervals for adjustments and minor repairs. Canadian Lance Stroll was seventh for Racing Point ahead of Daniel Ricciardo of Renault, Sergio Perez in the second Racing Point and Carlos Sainz of McLaren. The session was run in mild and dry conditions with few interruptions apart from a brief use of the Virtual Safety Car (VSC) after the engine cover flew off Stroll's car on the Kemmel Straight and a spin for Toro Rosso's Daniil Kvyat.

Vettel leads the way as Ferrari dominate opening practice in Belgium

Thai Formula One driver Alexander Albon was promoted Monday to race alongside Max Verstappen in the Red Bull team and has the rest of the season to make the move permanent. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The 23-year-old -- born in England of a Thai mother -- is promoted from Red Bull's sister team Toro Rosso whilst Frenchman Pierre&nbsp;Gasly&nbsp;will go in the opposite direction.

Albon's first drive for Red Bull will be the Belgian Grand Prix on September 1.

"Alexander Albon is being promoted to Aston Martin Red Bull Racing to drive alongside Max Verstappen, while Pierre&nbsp;Gasly&nbsp;will return to the Red Bull sister team, Scuderia Toro Rosso," read the team statement.

"The Team will use the next nine races to evaluate Alex’s performance in order to make an informed decision as to who will drive alongside Max in 2020."

Albon -- who was signed up to the Red Bull Junior Team in 2012 -- has accrued 16 points in his maiden season in the championship with a best-placed sixth in the German Grand Prix.

Gasly, also 23, is in his second full season in Formula One -- he competed in five Grand Prix in the 2017 campaign -- and has garnered 63 points thus far this term with fourth in the British Grand Prix his best performance.

Thai Formula One driver Alexander Albon was promoted Monday to race alongside Max Verstappen in the Red Bull team and has the rest of the season to make the move permanent.

Thai Formula One driver Alexander Albon was promoted Monday to race alongside Max Verstappen in the Red Bull team and has the rest of the season to make the move permanent. The 23-year-old -- born in England of a Thai mother -- is promoted from Red Bull's sister team Toro Rosso whilst Frenchman Pierre Gasly will go in the opposite direction. Albon's first drive for Red Bull will be the Belgian Grand Prix on September 1. "Alexander Albon is being promoted to Aston Martin Red Bull Racing to drive alongside Max Verstappen, while Pierre Gasly will return to the Red Bull sister team, Scuderia Toro Rosso," read the team statement. "The Team will use the next nine races to evaluate Alex’s performance in order to make an informed decision as to who will drive alongside Max in 2020." Albon -- who was signed up to the Red Bull Junior Team in 2012 -- has accrued 16 points in his maiden season in the championship with a best-placed sixth in the German Grand Prix. Gasly, also 23, is in his second full season in Formula One -- he competed in five Grand Prix in the 2017 campaign -- and has garnered 63 points thus far this term with fourth in the British Grand Prix his best performance.

Alexander Albon given chance to secure Red Bull drive permanently

Mexico will stay on the Formula One calendar for three more years after a new contract was signed on Thursday, with the sport set to expand to a record 22 races next season.

Formula One said the race would change its name to the Mexico City Grand Prix from 2020 to emphasise the support of the city authorities.

"It’s an honour to announce that we will carry out this event in Mexico City until 2022," Formula One chairman and CEO Chase Carey told a news conference.

Mexico City mayor Claudia Sheinbaum said in a statement that the agreement was based on a new financing model without the use of public resources.

"The Mexico City government will be an intermediary, creating a trust that will raise the private investment required to deliver this international event," she said. Ticket prices will remain unchanged.

Confirmation of Mexico means the 2020 calendar is set to expand from 21 races, with new ones in Vietnam and the Netherlands while only Germany is set to drop off.

Teams agreed to the extension at last weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix.

Mexico's future had looked uncertain earlier in the year, with president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador saying in February that state funds would in future go towards a tourist train project being planned in the south of the country.

Mexico returned to the grand prix calendar in 2015 after a 23-year absence.

The race, scheduled for Oct. 27 this year at the Hermanos Rodriguez circuit and paired with the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin, is organised by CIE and has won the governing FIA's award for best event for the past four seasons.

It was also the race where Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, now a five-times world champion, clinched the title in 2017 and 2018.

Mexico will stay on the Formula One calendar for three more years after a new contract was signed on Thursday, with the sport set to expand to a record 22 races next season.

Mexico will stay on the Formula One calendar for three more years after a new contract was signed on Thursday, with the sport set to expand to a record 22 races next season. Formula One said the race would change its name to the Mexico City Grand Prix from 2020 to emphasise the support of the city authorities. "It’s an honour to announce that we will carry out this event in Mexico City until 2022," Formula One chairman and CEO Chase Carey told a news conference. Mexico City mayor Claudia Sheinbaum said in a statement that the agreement was based on a new financing model without the use of public resources. "The Mexico City government will be an intermediary, creating a trust that will raise the private investment required to deliver this international event," she said. Ticket prices will remain unchanged. Confirmation of Mexico means the 2020 calendar is set to expand from 21 races, with new ones in Vietnam and the Netherlands while only Germany is set to drop off. Teams agreed to the extension at last weekend's Hungarian Grand Prix. Mexico's future had looked uncertain earlier in the year, with president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador saying in February that state funds would in future go towards a tourist train project being planned in the south of the country. Mexico returned to the grand prix calendar in 2015 after a 23-year absence. The race, scheduled for Oct. 27 this year at the Hermanos Rodriguez circuit and paired with the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin, is organised by CIE and has won the governing FIA's award for best event for the past four seasons. It was also the race where Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, now a five-times world champion, clinched the title in 2017 and 2018.

Mexico staying on F1 calendar for three more years

Lewis Hamilton denied pole-sitter Max Verstappen to win a gripping Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday.

Verstappen led until lap 66 of 70 when Hamilton took the lead helped by a brilliant pit strategy by his Mercedes team.

This was Hamilton's 81st Grand Prix triumph and it extended his lead in the Formula One drivers' championship.

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BREAKING: Lewis Hamilton wins the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HungarianGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HungarianGP</a> 🇭🇺 
 
Max Verstappen started on pole but finishes in P2 
 
Sebastian Vettel takes P3 after overtaking his team mate, Charles Leclerc<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://t.co/OK7JP6PRJi">pic.twitter.com/OK7JP6PRJi</a>
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&nbsp;

Lewis Hamilton denied pole-sitter Max Verstappen to win a gripping Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday. Verstappen led until lap 66 of 70 when Hamilton took the lead helped by a brilliant pit strategy by his Mercedes team.

Lewis Hamilton denied pole-sitter Max Verstappen to win a gripping Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday. Verstappen led until lap 66 of 70 when Hamilton took the lead helped by a brilliant pit strategy by his Mercedes team. This was Hamilton's 81st Grand Prix triumph and it extended his lead in the Formula One drivers' championship. BREAKING: Lewis Hamilton wins the #HungarianGP 🇭🇺 Max Verstappen started on pole but finishes in P2 Sebastian Vettel takes P3 after overtaking his team mate, Charles Leclerc#F1 pic.twitter.com/OK7JP6PRJi — Formula 1 (@F1) August 4, 2019 ×

Lewis Hamilton beats pole-sitter Max Verstappen to win Hungarian Grand Prix

Max Verstappen celebrated his long-awaited maiden pole position with record-breaking speed on Saturday when he topped the times for Red Bull in a tense and closely-fought qualifying session at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

In doing so, he became the 100th different pole-sitter in Formula One, doing so at the same Hungaroring track where his father Jos had claimed his first podium for Benetton 25 years earlier in 1994.

The 21-year-old Dutchman’s first pole came at his 94th Grand Prix and after he has won seven.

Verstappen’s success sparked rowdy celebrations among his large following of Dutch fans in the open grandstands after he had out-paced the two Mercedes drivers Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton in a breathless finish.

Verstappen’s best lap in one minute and 14.572 seconds was just 0.018 beyond the reach of Bottas with Hamilton a close third – ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel.

Pierre Gasly was sixth in the second Red Bull ahead of British rookie Lando Norris and his resurgent McLaren team-mate Carlos Sainz with Kimi Raikkonen ninth for Alfa Romeo ahead of Romain Grosjean.

"It’s incredible," said Verstappen.

"I am very happy! There’s still a race to do and at the end of the day, it is the most important, but it’s very nice and it is great for all the team."

In pics: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/secrets-of-mind-boggling-pit-stop-timings-in-formula-1-240455">Secrets of mind-boggling pit stop timings in Formula 1</a>

A disappointed Bottas said: "It’s obviously very close with Max. They’ve (Red Bull) been very quick, but as always, there is still the race to come."

Hamilton, who lost time in the first section of his final lap, said: "Max did a great job and so did Valtteri, but we’re in a great position to win – and I am always up for a fight."

The session began in warm conditions with an air temperature of 24 degrees and the track at 45 degrees Celsius, near perfect for a big crowd boosted by visitors from Finland, the Netherlands and Poland.

Orange army

These fans, backing Bottas, Raikkonen, Verstappen and Robert Kubica, who made his F1 debut in 2006 at the sprawling and sun-drenched basin 25-kilometres north-east of Budapest that houses the Hungaroring track, added colour and noise.

More than 30,000 Poles were reported to have travelled while another ‘orange army’ rooted for Verstappen whose consistency had made him this season’s form driver.

The 21-year-old Red Bull tyro, linked with a possible move to Mercedes or Ferrari in the escalation of ‘silly season’ speculation, demonstrated his current elan when he went top in Q1 by smashing the track record, set by Hamilton in the morning, with a lap in 1:15.817.

That put him top with Bottas and then Hamilton soon up to second ahead of Leclerc who spun heavily and backwards into the barriers at the final corner, damaging his Ferrari.

This left the Monegasque’s pit crew with work to do before Q2 as out went George Russell of Williams, despite a thrilling lap that lifted him to 16th, Sergio Perez and his Racing Point team-mate Lance Stroll, who sandwiched Daniel Ricciardo of Renault, and Kubica in the second Williams.

In Q2 Hamilton was faster again, setting another record in 1:15.548. Bottas was one-tenth down in second until Verstappen went second, 0.025 adrift, setting up the prospect of the young pretender starting on the front row again, alongside the old master.

Hamilton was out first for Q3 ahead of Raikkonen and Bottas, to the delight of the white-shirted fans from Finland.

Hamilton clocked another record only for the Finns to erupt as Bottas took command before Verstappen went inside 1:15 with his lap in 1:14.958 – an unprecedented benchmark.

This double whammy left Hamilton third before the final runs with Vettel fourth ahead of Leclerc. The momentum was moving and ‘people power’ appeared to play its part, not to mention a 13 year age gap, as an inspired Verstappen seized his moment

Max Verstappen celebrated his long-awaited maiden pole position with record-breaking speed on Saturday when he topped the times for Red Bull in a tense and closely-fought qualifying session at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen celebrated his long-awaited maiden pole position with record-breaking speed on Saturday when he topped the times for Red Bull in a tense and closely-fought qualifying session at the Hungarian Grand Prix. In doing so, he became the 100th different pole-sitter in Formula One, doing so at the same Hungaroring track where his father Jos had claimed his first podium for Benetton 25 years earlier in 1994. The 21-year-old Dutchman’s first pole came at his 94th Grand Prix and after he has won seven. Verstappen’s success sparked rowdy celebrations among his large following of Dutch fans in the open grandstands after he had out-paced the two Mercedes drivers Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton in a breathless finish. Verstappen’s best lap in one minute and 14.572 seconds was just 0.018 beyond the reach of Bottas with Hamilton a close third – ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel. Pierre Gasly was sixth in the second Red Bull ahead of British rookie Lando Norris and his resurgent McLaren team-mate Carlos Sainz with Kimi Raikkonen ninth for Alfa Romeo ahead of Romain Grosjean. "It’s incredible," said Verstappen. "I am very happy! There’s still a race to do and at the end of the day, it is the most important, but it’s very nice and it is great for all the team." In pics: Secrets of mind-boggling pit stop timings in Formula 1 A disappointed Bottas said: "It’s obviously very close with Max. They’ve (Red Bull) been very quick, but as always, there is still the race to come." Hamilton, who lost time in the first section of his final lap, said: "Max did a great job and so did Valtteri, but we’re in a great position to win – and I am always up for a fight." The session began in warm conditions with an air temperature of 24 degrees and the track at 45 degrees Celsius, near perfect for a big crowd boosted by visitors from Finland, the Netherlands and Poland. Orange army These fans, backing Bottas, Raikkonen, Verstappen and Robert Kubica, who made his F1 debut in 2006 at the sprawling and sun-drenched basin 25-kilometres north-east of Budapest that houses the Hungaroring track, added colour and noise. More than 30,000 Poles were reported to have travelled while another ‘orange army’ rooted for Verstappen whose consistency had made him this season’s form driver. The 21-year-old Red Bull tyro, linked with a possible move to Mercedes or Ferrari in the escalation of ‘silly season’ speculation, demonstrated his current elan when he went top in Q1 by smashing the track record, set by Hamilton in the morning, with a lap in 1:15.817. That put him top with Bottas and then Hamilton soon up to second ahead of Leclerc who spun heavily and backwards into the barriers at the final corner, damaging his Ferrari. This left the Monegasque’s pit crew with work to do before Q2 as out went George Russell of Williams, despite a thrilling lap that lifted him to 16th, Sergio Perez and his Racing Point team-mate Lance Stroll, who sandwiched Daniel Ricciardo of Renault, and Kubica in the second Williams. In Q2 Hamilton was faster again, setting another record in 1:15.548. Bottas was one-tenth down in second until Verstappen went second, 0.025 adrift, setting up the prospect of the young pretender starting on the front row again, alongside the old master. Hamilton was out first for Q3 ahead of Raikkonen and Bottas, to the delight of the white-shirted fans from Finland. Hamilton clocked another record only for the Finns to erupt as Bottas took command before Verstappen went inside 1:15 with his lap in 1:14.958 – an unprecedented benchmark. This double whammy left Hamilton third before the final runs with Vettel fourth ahead of Leclerc. The momentum was moving and ‘people power’ appeared to play its part, not to mention a 13 year age gap, as an inspired Verstappen seized his moment

Hungarian Grand Prix: Max Verstappen celebrates 'incredible' record-breaking maiden pole

Formula One champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rested-lewis-hamilton-hoping-to-be-fighting-fit-for-hungary-240143">Lewis Hamilton</a> set the pace in first Hungarian Grand Prix practice on Friday while a power unit problem forced Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas to sit out the session.

Hamilton had said he could not wait to be back in the car after recovering from a bug that laid him low in Germany last weekend and he wasted no time in getting back up to speed.

The Briton, who has won in Hungary a record six times and has a 41-point lead over Bottas in the standings, lapped the Hungaroring with a best time of one minute 17.233 seconds under cloudy skies.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen was second on the timesheets, 0.165 slower, with Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel occupying the third place and only a thousandth of a second behind the 21-year-old Dutchman.

Verstappen, who spun twice in the session, has won two of the last three races, including the chaotic wet thriller at Hockenheim.

Hamilton is eager to put that race behind him after starting on pole, hitting the barriers, spinning and collecting a time penalty before finishing 11th and then being promoted back to ninth.

The five-times world champion won from pole in Hungary last year.

Verstappen's French team mate Pierre Gasly was fourth fastest, with Kevin Magnussen fifth for Haas and Charles Leclerc sixth for Ferrari.

Bottas was sidelined after two incomplete laps, Mercedes having detected an untraceable problem with his power unit and deciding to swap it out of the car for another in the pool of engines.

The lost track time was another setback for the Finn, who crashed out in Hockenheim just when he looked likely to make inroads into his team mate's championship lead.

Hungary is the last race before Formula One's August break and the 12th of 21 rounds.

Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton set the pace in first Hungarian Grand Prix practice on Friday while a power unit problem forced Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas to sit out the session.

Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton set the pace in first Hungarian Grand Prix practice on Friday while a power unit problem forced Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas to sit out the session. Hamilton had said he could not wait to be back in the car after recovering from a bug that laid him low in Germany last weekend and he wasted no time in getting back up to speed. The Briton, who has won in Hungary a record six times and has a 41-point lead over Bottas in the standings, lapped the Hungaroring with a best time of one minute 17.233 seconds under cloudy skies. Red Bull's Max Verstappen was second on the timesheets, 0.165 slower, with Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel occupying the third place and only a thousandth of a second behind the 21-year-old Dutchman. Verstappen, who spun twice in the session, has won two of the last three races, including the chaotic wet thriller at Hockenheim. Hamilton is eager to put that race behind him after starting on pole, hitting the barriers, spinning and collecting a time penalty before finishing 11th and then being promoted back to ninth. The five-times world champion won from pole in Hungary last year. Verstappen's French team mate Pierre Gasly was fourth fastest, with Kevin Magnussen fifth for Haas and Charles Leclerc sixth for Ferrari. Bottas was sidelined after two incomplete laps, Mercedes having detected an untraceable problem with his power unit and deciding to swap it out of the car for another in the pool of engines. The lost track time was another setback for the Finn, who crashed out in Hockenheim just when he looked likely to make inroads into his team mate's championship lead. Hungary is the last race before Formula One's August break and the 12th of 21 rounds.

Lewis Hamilton first, Valtteri Bottas last in Hungarian GP practice

Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton hopes to be fully fit for Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix after being laid low by a bug in Germany last weekend and then taking to his sickbed.

The Mercedes driver won from pole position last year at the Hungaroring, a track he has triumphed on a record six times in total.

The five-times world champion finished only 11th at Hockenheim, however, before being promoted to ninth after the Alfa Romeo drivers were demoted for clutch-related irregularities.

"I’ve slept literally the last three days. So I feel a lot better," he told reporters at a hot and sunny Hungaroring on Thursday.

"I’m hoping to be 100% by the weekend. I still feel I need a bit more rest. I’ve just been fighting off some sort of bug," the Briton added.

"I definitely feel I am in a much, much better-fighting shape for the weekend, so I can’t tell you how good that feels. I’m looking forward to getting back in the car, which is completely different to how I was feeling.

"Last Friday, getting in the car was not such a good feeling."

The rain-hit German Grand Prix weekend was a comedy of errors for Hamilton and Mercedes, even if neither found anything remotely amusing about it.

Hamilton started on pole, hit the barriers, made a chaotic pitstop and also spun.

At one point he suggested over the radio that the team should retire him -- something he ascribed on Thursday to purely wanting to save laps on the engine, with only three allowed all season, rather than giving up.

Asked to sum up the weekend in three words, Hamilton -- looking and sounding relaxed -- replied with a grin: "I'd rather not."

"I’m focused on this weekend now. I don’t have any negative feelings or carrying weight from that weekend," he added. "I’ll just try and focus 100% on this weekend. I don’t plan on looking back.

"It was just a bad day. It’s something I’m conscious of. It was just a difficult weekend and these things happen."

Thanks to the post-race stewards' decisions, Hamilton arrived in Hungary with a 41-point lead over Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas.

Another win will see him go into the August break with at least a 48-point advantage -- double the lead he enjoyed over Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel at the same point last year.

"I think the weather’s similar to the last time here so I’m definitely hopeful the car will be better this weekend," said Hamilton.

Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton hopes to be fully fit for Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix after being laid low by a bug in Germany last weekend and then taking to his sickbed.

Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton hopes to be fully fit for Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix after being laid low by a bug in Germany last weekend and then taking to his sickbed. The Mercedes driver won from pole position last year at the Hungaroring, a track he has triumphed on a record six times in total. The five-times world champion finished only 11th at Hockenheim, however, before being promoted to ninth after the Alfa Romeo drivers were demoted for clutch-related irregularities. "I’ve slept literally the last three days. So I feel a lot better," he told reporters at a hot and sunny Hungaroring on Thursday. "I’m hoping to be 100% by the weekend. I still feel I need a bit more rest. I’ve just been fighting off some sort of bug," the Briton added. "I definitely feel I am in a much, much better-fighting shape for the weekend, so I can’t tell you how good that feels. I’m looking forward to getting back in the car, which is completely different to how I was feeling. "Last Friday, getting in the car was not such a good feeling." The rain-hit German Grand Prix weekend was a comedy of errors for Hamilton and Mercedes, even if neither found anything remotely amusing about it. Hamilton started on pole, hit the barriers, made a chaotic pitstop and also spun. At one point he suggested over the radio that the team should retire him -- something he ascribed on Thursday to purely wanting to save laps on the engine, with only three allowed all season, rather than giving up. Asked to sum up the weekend in three words, Hamilton -- looking and sounding relaxed -- replied with a grin: "I'd rather not." "I’m focused on this weekend now. I don’t have any negative feelings or carrying weight from that weekend," he added. "I’ll just try and focus 100% on this weekend. I don’t plan on looking back. "It was just a bad day. It’s something I’m conscious of. It was just a difficult weekend and these things happen." Thanks to the post-race stewards' decisions, Hamilton arrived in Hungary with a 41-point lead over Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas. Another win will see him go into the August break with at least a 48-point advantage -- double the lead he enjoyed over Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel at the same point last year. "I think the weather’s similar to the last time here so I’m definitely hopeful the car will be better this weekend," said Hamilton.

Rested Lewis Hamilton hoping to be fighting fit for Hungary

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/know-why-mercedes-are-painted-different-for-german-grand-prix-238605">Lewis Hamilton</a> secured a record-extending 87th pole in&nbsp;their 200th race on Saturday when he made the most of a double disaster for Ferrari in qualifying at the German Grand Prix.

The defending five-time world champion, who had struggled for pace and consistency in his Mercedes in practice, improved to clock a best lap in one minute and 11.767 and outpace Max Verstappen of Red Bull by 0.346 seconds. &nbsp;

Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas was third ahead of Pierre Gasly in the second Red Bull while Charles Leclerc, who had been fastest for Ferrari in final practice, failed to run in the Q3 top-ten shootout due to a technical problem with his car.

The Moneqasque will start 10th, 10 places ahead of his luckless Ferrari team-mate Sebastian Vettel who was unable to take part in qualifying due to a turbo problem and will start at the back of the grid for his home race.

Kimi Raikkonen was fifth for Alfa Romeo ahead of Romain Grosjean of Haas, Carlos Sainz of McLaren, Sergio Perez of Racing Point and Nico Hulkenberg of Renault.

"Congratulations Lewis – you never stop amazing us," said Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff as the Briton drove his slow-down lap.&nbsp;

"Thanks, Toto," he replied. "A great job guys – I don't know how we did that."

Lewis Hamilton secured a record-extending 87th pole in their 200th race on Saturday when he made the most of a double disaster for Ferrari in qualifying at the German Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton secured a record-extending 87th pole in their 200th race on Saturday when he made the most of a double disaster for Ferrari in qualifying at the German Grand Prix. The defending five-time world champion, who had struggled for pace and consistency in his Mercedes in practice, improved to clock a best lap in one minute and 11.767 and outpace Max Verstappen of Red Bull by 0.346 seconds. Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas was third ahead of Pierre Gasly in the second Red Bull while Charles Leclerc, who had been fastest for Ferrari in final practice, failed to run in the Q3 top-ten shootout due to a technical problem with his car. The Moneqasque will start 10th, 10 places ahead of his luckless Ferrari team-mate Sebastian Vettel who was unable to take part in qualifying due to a turbo problem and will start at the back of the grid for his home race. Kimi Raikkonen was fifth for Alfa Romeo ahead of Romain Grosjean of Haas, Carlos Sainz of McLaren, Sergio Perez of Racing Point and Nico Hulkenberg of Renault. "Congratulations Lewis – you never stop amazing us," said Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff as the Briton drove his slow-down lap. "Thanks, Toto," he replied. "A great job guys – I don't know how we did that."

German Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton on pole for Mercedes' 200th race, disaster for Ferrari

Charles Leclerc topped the times ahead of Ferrari team-mate Sebastian Vettel in Friday afternoon's sweltering and crash-hit second free practice for the German Grand Prix.

In a session that suggested the Italian team's determination to recover competitive form was paying off, Leclerc was quickest in one minute and 13.449 seconds, outpacing the four-time champion by 0.124 seconds.

Vettel enjoyed his return to home soil and topped the morning session to the delight of German fans and his father Norbert who was supporting from the Ferrari pits.

Series leader and defending five-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was third, 0.146 off the pace set by the Monegasque driver, but half a second ahead of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/know-why-mercedes-are-painted-different-for-german-grand-prix-238605">Mercedes</a> team-mate Valtteri Bottas in fourth.

Max Verstappen was fifth for Red Bull ahead of Romain Grosjean of Haas, Lance Stroll of Force India and Kimi Raikkonen of Alfa Romeo with Nico Hulkenberg ninth for Renault and Sergio Perez 10th in the second Force India.

Verstappen's Red Bull team-mate Pierre Gasly was unable to clock a soft-compound time at the end of the session after crashing.

On a very hot afternoon, with an air temperature of 37 degrees Celsius and a track temperature of 50, Ferrari found the conditions to their liking again. Vettel topped the times in the morning and Leclerc in the afternoon, while Mercedes appeared to be keeping some performance in reserve.

But it was a disappointing day for Frenchman Gasly who, after an encouraging run in opening practice, lost control of his Red Bull in the final minutes of the afternoon session at the final corner and hit the barriers on the outside. The impact damaged the left side of his car, but he was unhurt.

"I lost it," he told the team, a blow to his fragile confidence only two weeks after his best result, fourth, at the British Grand Prix. Replays showed that the rear of his vehicle lurched away from him as he accelerated on exit from the corner.

The session was red-flagged for seven minutes and resumed with nine remaining.

Hulkenberg, hoping to retain his seat at Renault in 2020, lost power and pitted immediately while Leclerc requested a check on his Ferrari's brakes as the action continued. The team confirmed all was well.

"It is difficult to judge anything," said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. "It is so hot it affects everyone. As far as engine cooling goes, we are OK here – Ferrari have looked very strong going through the corners..."&nbsp;

Charles Leclerc topped the times ahead of Ferrari team-mate Sebastian Vettel in Friday afternoon's sweltering and crash-hit second free practice for the German Grand Prix.

Charles Leclerc topped the times ahead of Ferrari team-mate Sebastian Vettel in Friday afternoon's sweltering and crash-hit second free practice for the German Grand Prix. In a session that suggested the Italian team's determination to recover competitive form was paying off, Leclerc was quickest in one minute and 13.449 seconds, outpacing the four-time champion by 0.124 seconds. Vettel enjoyed his return to home soil and topped the morning session to the delight of German fans and his father Norbert who was supporting from the Ferrari pits. Series leader and defending five-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was third, 0.146 off the pace set by the Monegasque driver, but half a second ahead of Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas in fourth. Max Verstappen was fifth for Red Bull ahead of Romain Grosjean of Haas, Lance Stroll of Force India and Kimi Raikkonen of Alfa Romeo with Nico Hulkenberg ninth for Renault and Sergio Perez 10th in the second Force India. Verstappen's Red Bull team-mate Pierre Gasly was unable to clock a soft-compound time at the end of the session after crashing. On a very hot afternoon, with an air temperature of 37 degrees Celsius and a track temperature of 50, Ferrari found the conditions to their liking again. Vettel topped the times in the morning and Leclerc in the afternoon, while Mercedes appeared to be keeping some performance in reserve. But it was a disappointing day for Frenchman Gasly who, after an encouraging run in opening practice, lost control of his Red Bull in the final minutes of the afternoon session at the final corner and hit the barriers on the outside. The impact damaged the left side of his car, but he was unhurt. "I lost it," he told the team, a blow to his fragile confidence only two weeks after his best result, fourth, at the British Grand Prix. Replays showed that the rear of his vehicle lurched away from him as he accelerated on exit from the corner. The session was red-flagged for seven minutes and resumed with nine remaining. Hulkenberg, hoping to retain his seat at Renault in 2020, lost power and pitted immediately while Leclerc requested a check on his Ferrari's brakes as the action continued. The team confirmed all was well. "It is difficult to judge anything," said Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. "It is so hot it affects everyone. As far as engine cooling goes, we are OK here – Ferrari have looked very strong going through the corners..."

German Grand Prix: Charles Leclerc on top with Sebastian Vettel as Ferrari shine during practice

Lewis Hamilton made the most of a favourable safety car intervention on Sunday to claim a record sixth British Grand Prix victory at a packed Silverstone.

The defending five-time world champion clocking fastest lap on his final lap to finish 25 seconds clear of Mercedes team-mate and nearest title rival Valtteri Bottas after &nbsp;an action-packed contest.&nbsp;

The Briton moved 39 points clear of the Finn behind in the title race, but Bottas was unlucky with the timing of the safety car which effectively gave Hamilton a free pit stop.

Charles Leclerc of Ferrari was third.

Pierre Gasly finished fourth ahead of his Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen, whose race was compromised by a late collision when Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari drove into him, and Carlos Sainz of McLaren.

It was Hamilton's seventh win in 10 races this year and the 80th win of his career. He had shared the British Grand Prix record of wins, on five, with fellow-Briton Jim Clark and Frenchman Alain Prost.&nbsp;

Daniel Ricciardo was seventh for Renault ahead of Kimi Raikkonen of Alfa Romeo, Daniil Kvyat in a Toro Rosso and Nico Hulkenberg in a Renault.&nbsp;

"What a day," said Hamilton. "To all the crowd, thank-you so much for coming out."

Hamilton, who stopped on his slow-down lap to collect a British 'Union Jack' flag, added: "I love you Silverstone. I appreciate everything and the opportunity to be a part of this.

"I couldn't have done this without these guys or without my team."

A glum Bottas said: "Congrats to Lewis...It wasn't my day."&nbsp;

A much happier Leclerc said: "It's probably the race I've enjoyed the most in my career."

The safety car was deployed when Antonio Giovinazzi spun into a gravel trap in his Alfa Romeo – gifting Hamilton a 'free' first, and only, pit stop. The luckless Bottas, on a two stop strategy, had already pitted before the incident. &nbsp;

On an overcast and cool afternoon, Justin Whiting, the 12-year-old son of the late Charlie Whiting, the official Race Director who died suddenly in Melbourne in March, started the race. before a crowd of 141,000 at Silverstone.&nbsp;

As the lights went out, the Mercedes pair pulled clear, Hamilton chasing Bottas throughout the first lap ahead of Leclerc and Verstappen with Vettel fifth.

Oozing confidence

By lap 10, the lead was three-tenths, Hamilton oozing confidence could not pass Bottas slithering to protect his lead. Behind them, Leclerc blocked attacks from Verstappen.

But on lap 17, Bottas came in for a new set of mediums and Hamilton inherited the lead ahead of Vettel, the pair delaying their stops as long as possible. Then Giovinazzi beached his Alfa Romeo at Club.

Hamilton took advantage and pitted for hards, followed by Vettel and Verstappen, making a second stop. Ferrari, reacting slowly, called in Leclerc, who emerged &nbsp;sixth behind Gasly and Verstappen. All this left Hamilton leading Bottas with Vettel third.

Racing resumed on lap 23, the field, backed up by Hamilton, swarming like bees at the re-start.

Bottas, on mediums, traded fastest laps with Hamilton, knowing he had to make a second stop. Verstappen, helped by quick thinking from Red Bull, rose to fourth when Gasly moved over on Hangar Straight and began his pursuit of Vettel.

The Dutchman caught and passed him at Stowe only for the German to ram into the rear end of the 007-branded Red Bull, who had Bond actor Daniel Craig in their garage, both spinning into the gravel but surviving to re-join the fray.

A stewards' investigation followed, but both races were compromised.&nbsp;

Leclerc rose to third and Gasly to fourth. Verstappen regained fifth while Vettel pitted for a new nose, fell to 17th and was then given a 10-seconds time penalty.

With eight laps remaining, Hamilton was told to pit, but ignored the call, persuading Mercedes to bring in Bottas for softs, a tilt at fastest lap and a secure run to the flag.&nbsp;

Lewis Hamilton made the most of a favourable safety car intervention on Sunday to claim a record sixth British Grand Prix victory at a packed Silverstone. The defending five-time world champion clocking fastest lap on his final lap to finish 25 seconds clear of Mercedes team-mate and nearest title rival Valtteri Bottas after an action-packed contest.

Lewis Hamilton made the most of a favourable safety car intervention on Sunday to claim a record sixth British Grand Prix victory at a packed Silverstone. The defending five-time world champion clocking fastest lap on his final lap to finish 25 seconds clear of Mercedes team-mate and nearest title rival Valtteri Bottas after an action-packed contest. The Briton moved 39 points clear of the Finn behind in the title race, but Bottas was unlucky with the timing of the safety car which effectively gave Hamilton a free pit stop. Charles Leclerc of Ferrari was third. Pierre Gasly finished fourth ahead of his Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen, whose race was compromised by a late collision when Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari drove into him, and Carlos Sainz of McLaren. It was Hamilton's seventh win in 10 races this year and the 80th win of his career. He had shared the British Grand Prix record of wins, on five, with fellow-Briton Jim Clark and Frenchman Alain Prost. Daniel Ricciardo was seventh for Renault ahead of Kimi Raikkonen of Alfa Romeo, Daniil Kvyat in a Toro Rosso and Nico Hulkenberg in a Renault. "What a day," said Hamilton. "To all the crowd, thank-you so much for coming out." Hamilton, who stopped on his slow-down lap to collect a British 'Union Jack' flag, added: "I love you Silverstone. I appreciate everything and the opportunity to be a part of this. "I couldn't have done this without these guys or without my team." A glum Bottas said: "Congrats to Lewis...It wasn't my day." A much happier Leclerc said: "It's probably the race I've enjoyed the most in my career." The safety car was deployed when Antonio Giovinazzi spun into a gravel trap in his Alfa Romeo – gifting Hamilton a 'free' first, and only, pit stop. The luckless Bottas, on a two stop strategy, had already pitted before the incident. On an overcast and cool afternoon, Justin Whiting, the 12-year-old son of the late Charlie Whiting, the official Race Director who died suddenly in Melbourne in March, started the race. before a crowd of 141,000 at Silverstone. As the lights went out, the Mercedes pair pulled clear, Hamilton chasing Bottas throughout the first lap ahead of Leclerc and Verstappen with Vettel fifth. Oozing confidence By lap 10, the lead was three-tenths, Hamilton oozing confidence could not pass Bottas slithering to protect his lead. Behind them, Leclerc blocked attacks from Verstappen. But on lap 17, Bottas came in for a new set of mediums and Hamilton inherited the lead ahead of Vettel, the pair delaying their stops as long as possible. Then Giovinazzi beached his Alfa Romeo at Club. Hamilton took advantage and pitted for hards, followed by Vettel and Verstappen, making a second stop. Ferrari, reacting slowly, called in Leclerc, who emerged sixth behind Gasly and Verstappen. All this left Hamilton leading Bottas with Vettel third. Racing resumed on lap 23, the field, backed up by Hamilton, swarming like bees at the re-start. Bottas, on mediums, traded fastest laps with Hamilton, knowing he had to make a second stop. Verstappen, helped by quick thinking from Red Bull, rose to fourth when Gasly moved over on Hangar Straight and began his pursuit of Vettel. The Dutchman caught and passed him at Stowe only for the German to ram into the rear end of the 007-branded Red Bull, who had Bond actor Daniel Craig in their garage, both spinning into the gravel but surviving to re-join the fray. A stewards' investigation followed, but both races were compromised. Leclerc rose to third and Gasly to fourth. Verstappen regained fifth while Vettel pitted for a new nose, fell to 17th and was then given a 10-seconds time penalty. With eight laps remaining, Hamilton was told to pit, but ignored the call, persuading Mercedes to bring in Bottas for softs, a tilt at fastest lap and a secure run to the flag.

Lewis Hamilton wins record sixth British GP, extends F1 lead

Valtteri Bottas beat crowd favourite and Formula One leader Lewis Hamilton by the blink of an eye on Saturday to deny his Mercedes teammate a fifth successive British Grand Prix pole position.

The Finn was a mere six-thousandths of a second quicker than the five-times world champion as the two Silver Arrows again locked out the front row of the grid on a cloudy afternoon at Silverstone.

Ferrari's young Monegasque Charles Leclerc will share the second row with Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who won the previous race in Austria where the two 21-year-olds clashed on track while fighting for victory in the closing laps.

The pole, in a track-record time of one minute 25.093 seconds, was Bottas's fourth in 10 races this season -- more than any other driver -- and his career 10th.

"Ultimately not good enough," said Hamilton, who was fastest in the first phase of qualifying but ran wide at Brooklands on his first lap of the final session.

"We worked really hard throughout the session but it just got a little bit away from us.

"I sacrificed a lap in Q2 (the second phase), which would have helped get a reading of how the car was. And then just at the end I had that mistake on the first lap and the second one just wasn't that great.

"Fair play to Valtteri, he did the job. But it’s a long race tomorrow and we’ve got a great crowd here so hopefully I can do something different."

Bottas is 31 points adrift of Hamilton in the championship and needs to close the gap, fully aware that his teammate has a habit of hitting full throttle once the August break is out of the way.

The Finn led after the first flying laps of the top-10 shootout and stayed there despite failing to improve on his time with the final run.

"I knew the first lap was good but it wasn't perfect and honestly I should've improved in the second run and I'm glad it was enough -- it's not easy to get a quick lap together and it's very easy to do mistakes," said the happy Finn.

Sellout Crowd

Bottas has converted only one of his poles into victory this season and Hamilton still remains well-placed to delight his army of fans with a record sixth home win and 80th of his career.

A sellout crowd of more than 140,000 is expected to turn up on Sunday.

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, last year's race winner, was sixth and behind resurgent Red Bull driver Pierre Gasly on the third row.

"I’ve had worse ones, at least I took part," said Vettel, whose team had ended the morning's final practice one-two on the timesheets and had Leclerc set the fastest time in the second phase of qualifying.

"I didn’t have a great feeling this afternoon and you need a great feeling to throw the car from one side to the other," added the German, who will start on the soft tyres while Mercedes have slower but more durable mediums.

Australian Daniel Ricciardo lines up seventh for Renault, alongside McLaren's Lando Norris after another fine performance by the British teenage rookie whose Spanish teammate Carlos Sainz was 13th.

"I think I can be reasonably happy with P8," said Norris, who also got plenty of cheers from the fans. "Not ideal, but it was good fun. It's an awesome track to do qualifying on. The whole weekend's been pretty nice so far.

"We're normally a bit better on Sundays than Saturdays."

British-born Thai rookie Alexander Albon starts ninth for Toro Rosso with Renault's Nico Hulkenberg 10th.

Valtteri Bottas beat crowd favourite and Formula One leader Lewis Hamilton by the blink of an eye on Saturday to deny his Mercedes teammate a fifth successive British Grand Prix pole position.

Valtteri Bottas beat crowd favourite and Formula One leader Lewis Hamilton by the blink of an eye on Saturday to deny his Mercedes teammate a fifth successive British Grand Prix pole position. The Finn was a mere six-thousandths of a second quicker than the five-times world champion as the two Silver Arrows again locked out the front row of the grid on a cloudy afternoon at Silverstone. Ferrari's young Monegasque Charles Leclerc will share the second row with Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who won the previous race in Austria where the two 21-year-olds clashed on track while fighting for victory in the closing laps. The pole, in a track-record time of one minute 25.093 seconds, was Bottas's fourth in 10 races this season -- more than any other driver -- and his career 10th. "Ultimately not good enough," said Hamilton, who was fastest in the first phase of qualifying but ran wide at Brooklands on his first lap of the final session. "We worked really hard throughout the session but it just got a little bit away from us. "I sacrificed a lap in Q2 (the second phase), which would have helped get a reading of how the car was. And then just at the end I had that mistake on the first lap and the second one just wasn't that great. "Fair play to Valtteri, he did the job. But it’s a long race tomorrow and we’ve got a great crowd here so hopefully I can do something different." Bottas is 31 points adrift of Hamilton in the championship and needs to close the gap, fully aware that his teammate has a habit of hitting full throttle once the August break is out of the way. The Finn led after the first flying laps of the top-10 shootout and stayed there despite failing to improve on his time with the final run. "I knew the first lap was good but it wasn't perfect and honestly I should've improved in the second run and I'm glad it was enough -- it's not easy to get a quick lap together and it's very easy to do mistakes," said the happy Finn. Sellout Crowd Bottas has converted only one of his poles into victory this season and Hamilton still remains well-placed to delight his army of fans with a record sixth home win and 80th of his career. A sellout crowd of more than 140,000 is expected to turn up on Sunday. Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, last year's race winner, was sixth and behind resurgent Red Bull driver Pierre Gasly on the third row. "I’ve had worse ones, at least I took part," said Vettel, whose team had ended the morning's final practice one-two on the timesheets and had Leclerc set the fastest time in the second phase of qualifying. "I didn’t have a great feeling this afternoon and you need a great feeling to throw the car from one side to the other," added the German, who will start on the soft tyres while Mercedes have slower but more durable mediums. Australian Daniel Ricciardo lines up seventh for Renault, alongside McLaren's Lando Norris after another fine performance by the British teenage rookie whose Spanish teammate Carlos Sainz was 13th. "I think I can be reasonably happy with P8," said Norris, who also got plenty of cheers from the fans. "Not ideal, but it was good fun. It's an awesome track to do qualifying on. The whole weekend's been pretty nice so far. "We're normally a bit better on Sundays than Saturdays." British-born Thai rookie Alexander Albon starts ninth for Toro Rosso with Renault's Nico Hulkenberg 10th.

Valtteri Bottas denies Hamilton his home British Grand Prix pole

Max Verstappen overcame a poor start to storm to the sixth victory of his career and end Mercedes’ record unbeaten start to the season when he triumphed in Sunday’s thrilling Austrian Grand Prix.&nbsp;

The 21-year-old Dutchman, who won last year’s race at the Spielberg circuit, recovered after dropping to seventh and charged through to battle past Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in stirring fashion with two laps remaining.&nbsp;

His dramatic overtaking move was immediately announced as under investigation by the stewards, Leclerc feeling that he was given insufficient space as Verstappen forced him wide off the circuit.&nbsp;

Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas came home third ahead of Sebastian Vettel in the second Ferrari and defending five-time champion Lewis Hamilton in the second Mercedes, the series leader having suffered front wing and heating problems.&nbsp;

British rookie Lando Norris was an excellent sixth for McLaren ahead of Pierre Gasly in the second Red Bull, Carlos Sainz who finished eighth in the second McLaren after starting from the back of the grid, Kimi Raikkonen and his Alfa Romeo team-mate Antionio Giovinazzi.&nbsp;

"After that start, I thought my race was over,” said Verstappen. “But after the pit-stops we were flying. It was hard racing – and if that’s not allowed, what’s the point in racing in F1. We may as well go home.”&nbsp;

His victory brought Red Bull’s engine supplier Honda their first win since the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix after returning to Formula One.&nbsp;

Leclerc said: "I had more degradation than I thought at the end – we touched and I had to go wide and I didn't have a chance to fight back."&nbsp;

Max Verstappen overcame a poor start to storm to the sixth victory of his career and end Mercedes’ record unbeaten start to the season when he triumphed in Sunday’s thrilling Austrian Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen overcame a poor start to storm to the sixth victory of his career and end Mercedes’ record unbeaten start to the season when he triumphed in Sunday’s thrilling Austrian Grand Prix. The 21-year-old Dutchman, who won last year’s race at the Spielberg circuit, recovered after dropping to seventh and charged through to battle past Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in stirring fashion with two laps remaining. His dramatic overtaking move was immediately announced as under investigation by the stewards, Leclerc feeling that he was given insufficient space as Verstappen forced him wide off the circuit. Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas came home third ahead of Sebastian Vettel in the second Ferrari and defending five-time champion Lewis Hamilton in the second Mercedes, the series leader having suffered front wing and heating problems. British rookie Lando Norris was an excellent sixth for McLaren ahead of Pierre Gasly in the second Red Bull, Carlos Sainz who finished eighth in the second McLaren after starting from the back of the grid, Kimi Raikkonen and his Alfa Romeo team-mate Antionio Giovinazzi. "After that start, I thought my race was over,” said Verstappen. “But after the pit-stops we were flying. It was hard racing – and if that’s not allowed, what’s the point in racing in F1. We may as well go home.” His victory brought Red Bull’s engine supplier Honda their first win since the 2006 Hungarian Grand Prix after returning to Formula One. Leclerc said: "I had more degradation than I thought at the end – we touched and I had to go wide and I didn't have a chance to fight back."

Max Verstappen wins in Austria after thrilling duel with Charles Leclerc

Charles Leclerc put Ferrari on pole position for the Austrian Grand Prix on Saturday with Formula One leader Lewis Hamilton second fastest for Mercedes but subject to a stewards' enquiry for alleged impeding.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen, last year's winner at his team's home circuit, qualified third -- a result that put two of the sport's brightest young prospects in the top three.

The pole was the 21-year-old Monegasque's second of the season and Ferrari's first at the scenic circuit since Michael Schumacher in 2003. Austria was off the F1 calendar between 2003 and 2014.

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel failed to set a lap time in the final top 10 shootout after a mechanical problem kept his car in the garage.

Leclerc has yet to win a grand prix since making his Formula One debut with Sauber, now Alfa Romeo, last year but came close in Bahrain where he also took pole position and led before a late engine problem.

"The car felt amazing," he said. "A big pleasure to drive this car on the limit. Very happy to bring the pole position back home."

Hamilton, 36 points clear of teammate Valtteri Bottas after winning the last four races, has a battle on his hands to secure his team's 11th successive win and ninth of the season.

"Congratulations to Charles, he's been quick all weekend," he said. "We've just really not been able to keep up with them this weekend.

"Max has been driving really well all weekend as well. I think it's quite cool to see three different teams in the top three positions," added the 34-year-old five-times world champion.

"I've got to fight the young 'uns. That's cool."

Ferrari said Vettel's car had suffered a problem with the air pressure line to the engine.

Bottas qualified fourth with Denmark's Kevin Magnussen fifth for Haas, although he will drop down five places due to a gearbox penalty, and British rookie Lando Norris sixth on the grid for McLaren.

Charles Leclerc put Ferrari on pole position for the Austrian Grand Prix on Saturday with Formula One leader Lewis Hamilton second fastest for Mercedes but subject to a stewards' enquiry for alleged impeding.

Charles Leclerc put Ferrari on pole position for the Austrian Grand Prix on Saturday with Formula One leader Lewis Hamilton second fastest for Mercedes but subject to a stewards' enquiry for alleged impeding. Red Bull's Max Verstappen, last year's winner at his team's home circuit, qualified third -- a result that put two of the sport's brightest young prospects in the top three. The pole was the 21-year-old Monegasque's second of the season and Ferrari's first at the scenic circuit since Michael Schumacher in 2003. Austria was off the F1 calendar between 2003 and 2014. Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel failed to set a lap time in the final top 10 shootout after a mechanical problem kept his car in the garage. Leclerc has yet to win a grand prix since making his Formula One debut with Sauber, now Alfa Romeo, last year but came close in Bahrain where he also took pole position and led before a late engine problem. "The car felt amazing," he said. "A big pleasure to drive this car on the limit. Very happy to bring the pole position back home." Hamilton, 36 points clear of teammate Valtteri Bottas after winning the last four races, has a battle on his hands to secure his team's 11th successive win and ninth of the season. "Congratulations to Charles, he's been quick all weekend," he said. "We've just really not been able to keep up with them this weekend. "Max has been driving really well all weekend as well. I think it's quite cool to see three different teams in the top three positions," added the 34-year-old five-times world champion. "I've got to fight the young 'uns. That's cool." Ferrari said Vettel's car had suffered a problem with the air pressure line to the engine. Bottas qualified fourth with Denmark's Kevin Magnussen fifth for Haas, although he will drop down five places due to a gearbox penalty, and British rookie Lando Norris sixth on the grid for McLaren.

Charles Leclerc beats Lewis Hamilton to pole in Austria

Lewis Hamilton put on a display of domination at the French Grand Prix on Sunday to go 36 points clear in the Formula One world championship and stretch Mercedes's winning run to 10 races.

On a scorchingly hot afternoon in the south of France, Hamilton put the rest of the field in the shade as he led from start to finish to take his fourth win in a row and sixth of the season.

The Briton finished 18 seconds ahead of Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas, who was pushed hard at the end by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc in a rare moment of tension, as Mercedes celebrated their 50th one-two finish.

"We are creating history together and I'm so proud to be part of this team," said Hamilton, who also won from pole last year at Le Castellet.

"It wasn't easy at all and everything is on the edge. I had quite big blisters on the front two tyres - but this has been the best start of the year."

The five-times world champion now has 79 career wins, 12 short of Michael Schumacher's all-time record with 13 races remaining this season.

He has 187 points to Bottas's 151. Mercedes have won all eight races this year as well as the last two of 2018.

Until the closing laps, the main thrill on Sunday was provided by a marshal who darted across the track to retrieve a broken bollard.

Hamilton made a clean start, was 2.3 seconds clear of Bottas after six laps and continued to pull away despite complaining at one point that something had broken on his seat - a gripe undermined by the Briton lapping faster and faster.

Max Verstappen was fourth for Red Bull while Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel moved up from seventh on the grid to fifth and gained an extra point after pitting on the penultimate lap for fresh tyres to set the fastest lap.

"This weekend, the biggest aim was to close the gap as much as possible and we failed," said Vettel, now 76 points behind Hamilton -- the equivalent to more than three race wins.

"We have to understand why some of the bits we brought didn’t work and hopefully we can try again and the track layout in Austria next week will go our way."

Spaniard Carlos Sainz finished sixth for McLaren ahead of Daniel Ricciardo for Renault, but the Australian was summoned to see stewards after the race.

Kimi Raikkonen was eighth for Alfa Romeo with Renault's Nico Hulkenberg ninth and Lando Norris 10th for McLaren after losing three places on the last lap.

Lewis Hamilton put on a display of domination at the French Grand Prix on Sunday to go 36 points clear in the Formula One world championship and stretch Mercedes's winning run to 10 races.

Lewis Hamilton put on a display of domination at the French Grand Prix on Sunday to go 36 points clear in the Formula One world championship and stretch Mercedes's winning run to 10 races. On a scorchingly hot afternoon in the south of France, Hamilton put the rest of the field in the shade as he led from start to finish to take his fourth win in a row and sixth of the season. The Briton finished 18 seconds ahead of Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas, who was pushed hard at the end by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc in a rare moment of tension, as Mercedes celebrated their 50th one-two finish. "We are creating history together and I'm so proud to be part of this team," said Hamilton, who also won from pole last year at Le Castellet. "It wasn't easy at all and everything is on the edge. I had quite big blisters on the front two tyres - but this has been the best start of the year." The five-times world champion now has 79 career wins, 12 short of Michael Schumacher's all-time record with 13 races remaining this season. He has 187 points to Bottas's 151. Mercedes have won all eight races this year as well as the last two of 2018. Until the closing laps, the main thrill on Sunday was provided by a marshal who darted across the track to retrieve a broken bollard. Hamilton made a clean start, was 2.3 seconds clear of Bottas after six laps and continued to pull away despite complaining at one point that something had broken on his seat - a gripe undermined by the Briton lapping faster and faster. Max Verstappen was fourth for Red Bull while Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel moved up from seventh on the grid to fifth and gained an extra point after pitting on the penultimate lap for fresh tyres to set the fastest lap. "This weekend, the biggest aim was to close the gap as much as possible and we failed," said Vettel, now 76 points behind Hamilton -- the equivalent to more than three race wins. "We have to understand why some of the bits we brought didn’t work and hopefully we can try again and the track layout in Austria next week will go our way." Spaniard Carlos Sainz finished sixth for McLaren ahead of Daniel Ricciardo for Renault, but the Australian was summoned to see stewards after the race. Kimi Raikkonen was eighth for Alfa Romeo with Renault's Nico Hulkenberg ninth and Lando Norris 10th for McLaren after losing three places on the last lap.

Lewis Hamilton wins French Grand Prix in Mercedes one-two

Lewis Hamilton seized pole position for the French Grand Prix in track record time as Mercedes, chasing their 10th successive win, swept the front row of the grid in dominant fashion on Saturday.

The Formula One world championship leader was 0.286 seconds quicker than team mate Valtteri Bottas.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc qualified third with team mate Sebastian Vettel a distant seventh on a distinctly off day for the German.

The pole, in a time of one minute 28.319 seconds, was a record-extending 86th of Hamilton's career and his third of the season.

"I'm happy that I got the potential out of the car, the team did a fantastic job," said five-times world champion Hamilton, last year's winner from pole at Le Castellet's Paul Ricard circuit.

"We've just been chipping away at improving the set-up of the car," added the Briton, who is 29 points clear of Bottas after seven races -- all won by the pair. Hamilton also triumphed in the last two of 2018.

Bottas was fastest in the second phase of qualifying but could not match Hamilton's sizzling pace when it mattered in the final shoot-out.

"The wind changed direction and there was a couple of corners my line didn't work and I had to work it out but Lewis had a better lap," said the Finn.

Mercedes have looked to be in a class of their own all weekend, with Hamilton or Bottas fastest in every practice session with Leclerc, rather than Vettel, consistently the best of the rest.

Vettel struggled, backing out of his first hot lap and then failing to string together all the sectors smoothly on his second attempt.

"I don't know what happened, I lost so much momentum there was no point to finish that lap," said the German, who starts behind the Renault-powered McLarens of British rookie Lando Norris (fifth) and Spaniard Carlos Sainz (sixth).

"Some laps it felt good and others it didn't. I didn't get the best out of the car but it was difficult for me, but some laps I didn't have he grip I had before."

Vettel's time of 1:29.799 was eighth tenths of a second slower than Leclerc's best.

Leclerc, who starts with Red Bull's Max Verstappen alongside, asked the team over the radio to get Vettel to speed up but the Monegasque said his lap had not been compromised.

Australian Daniel Ricciardo starts eighth for Renault and Red Bull's Pierre Gasly lines up ninth for his home race with Italian Antonio Giovinazzi 10th for Alfa Romeo.

Lewis Hamilton seized pole position for the French Grand Prix in track record time as Mercedes, chasing their 10th successive win, swept the front row of the grid in dominant fashion on Saturday.

Lewis Hamilton seized pole position for the French Grand Prix in track record time as Mercedes, chasing their 10th successive win, swept the front row of the grid in dominant fashion on Saturday. The Formula One world championship leader was 0.286 seconds quicker than team mate Valtteri Bottas. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc qualified third with team mate Sebastian Vettel a distant seventh on a distinctly off day for the German. The pole, in a time of one minute 28.319 seconds, was a record-extending 86th of Hamilton's career and his third of the season. "I'm happy that I got the potential out of the car, the team did a fantastic job," said five-times world champion Hamilton, last year's winner from pole at Le Castellet's Paul Ricard circuit. "We've just been chipping away at improving the set-up of the car," added the Briton, who is 29 points clear of Bottas after seven races -- all won by the pair. Hamilton also triumphed in the last two of 2018. Bottas was fastest in the second phase of qualifying but could not match Hamilton's sizzling pace when it mattered in the final shoot-out. "The wind changed direction and there was a couple of corners my line didn't work and I had to work it out but Lewis had a better lap," said the Finn. Mercedes have looked to be in a class of their own all weekend, with Hamilton or Bottas fastest in every practice session with Leclerc, rather than Vettel, consistently the best of the rest. Vettel struggled, backing out of his first hot lap and then failing to string together all the sectors smoothly on his second attempt. "I don't know what happened, I lost so much momentum there was no point to finish that lap," said the German, who starts behind the Renault-powered McLarens of British rookie Lando Norris (fifth) and Spaniard Carlos Sainz (sixth). "Some laps it felt good and others it didn't. I didn't get the best out of the car but it was difficult for me, but some laps I didn't have he grip I had before." Vettel's time of 1:29.799 was eighth tenths of a second slower than Leclerc's best. Leclerc, who starts with Red Bull's Max Verstappen alongside, asked the team over the radio to get Vettel to speed up but the Monegasque said his lap had not been compromised. Australian Daniel Ricciardo starts eighth for Renault and Red Bull's Pierre Gasly lines up ninth for his home race with Italian Antonio Giovinazzi 10th for Alfa Romeo.

French Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton on pole, Sebastian Vettel only seventh

Lewis Hamilton won the Canadian Grand Prix for Mercedes in controversial fashion on Sunday after Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel crossed the finish line first but was given a five-second penalty.

Vettel, who started from pole, took the chequered flag ahead of Hamilton but there was no celebration in the Ferrari garage as the furious German was demoted to second after being slapped with the penalty for a dangerous re-entry after running off the track.

Under pressure from Hamilton, Vettel threw away the race on lap 48 when he went too hard into the turn-three chicane and ran on to the grass, returning to the circuit just ahead of the Briton who was forced to brake sharply or face being pushed into the wall.

The race continued with the incident under investigation and a few laps later when Vettel was told of the decision the four-time world champion exploded, venting his anger over the team radio.

"I had nowhere to go. Seriously, I had nowhere to go," fumed Vettel. "They are stealing the race from us.

"No, no, no, no, no, no," continued Vettel. "Seriously, you need to be an absolute blind man to let him pass and not control your car -- where am I supposed to go?

"This is a wrong world, this is not fair."

At the same time, Mercedes were telling Hamilton to just "stay in Vettel's gearbox" and take a gifted victory.

"Not the way I wanted to win," said Hamilton, after collecting his fifth win of the season and equalling Michael Schumacher's Canadian record of seven victories on the island circuit.

The victory, sweet or not, boosted Hamilton's lead at the top of the drivers' standings to 162 points, 29 clear of teammate Valtteri Bottas and 62 ahead of Vettel.

Mercedes also padded out their advantage in the constructors' standings to 295 with Ferrari on 172.

Mercedes extend dominant streak

With the exception of Mercedes, few in the huge crowd seemed happy with the outcome, loudly booing Hamilton during the winners' ceremony which seemed to catch the Briton off-guard.

"All I can say is I didn't make the decision firstly so I don't know who they are booing at, maybe the decision," said Hamilton, who tried to have Vettel join him on the top step of the podium.

The decision to penalise Vettel allowed Mercedes to extend their season-long domination, making it seven wins in seven races, including five in one-two formation.

Bottas finished fourth and unhappy Ferrari took the other two places on the podium, Vettel in second and Charles Leclerc third.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who had a disappointing qualifying and started 11th, worked his way up to a fifth-place result while Renault enjoy their best race of the season with Daniel Ricciardo taking sixth and Nico Hulkenberg seventh.

Lance Stroll also put on a bit of show for the home fans, the Canadian coming home ninth to match his best result of the season for Racing Point.

Vettel made it clear later that he was not directing his anger at Hamilton but reserved all his venom for the stewards.

"People shouldn't boo at Lewis because you saw what was going on; I don't think there was any intention to be in harm's way," said Vettel. "I had trouble to stay on track but the people shouldn't boo at Lewis; if anything they should boo these funny decisions."

More trouble could be heading the German's way with fines and penalties for missing the post-race weigh-in and parc ferme.

While the race ended with the result Mercedes wanted it was nonetheless a fraught weekend for the Silver Arrows with Hamilton crashing in second practice on Friday and emergency repairs on Sunday hours and even minutes before the race.

In a late scramble the team were forced to take apart the car and rebuild it after discovering a hydraulic leak, finishing repairs about eight minutes before the pit lane opened.

If that was not enough, there was an issue just before Hamilton was about to step into the cockpit with the team quickly bleeding the brakes on his Mercedes because they were too soft.

Lewis Hamilton won the Canadian Grand Prix for Mercedes in controversial fashion on Sunday after Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel crossed the finish line first but was given a five-second penalty.

Lewis Hamilton won the Canadian Grand Prix for Mercedes in controversial fashion on Sunday after Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel crossed the finish line first but was given a five-second penalty. Vettel, who started from pole, took the chequered flag ahead of Hamilton but there was no celebration in the Ferrari garage as the furious German was demoted to second after being slapped with the penalty for a dangerous re-entry after running off the track. Under pressure from Hamilton, Vettel threw away the race on lap 48 when he went too hard into the turn-three chicane and ran on to the grass, returning to the circuit just ahead of the Briton who was forced to brake sharply or face being pushed into the wall. The race continued with the incident under investigation and a few laps later when Vettel was told of the decision the four-time world champion exploded, venting his anger over the team radio. "I had nowhere to go. Seriously, I had nowhere to go," fumed Vettel. "They are stealing the race from us. "No, no, no, no, no, no," continued Vettel. "Seriously, you need to be an absolute blind man to let him pass and not control your car -- where am I supposed to go? "This is a wrong world, this is not fair." At the same time, Mercedes were telling Hamilton to just "stay in Vettel's gearbox" and take a gifted victory. "Not the way I wanted to win," said Hamilton, after collecting his fifth win of the season and equalling Michael Schumacher's Canadian record of seven victories on the island circuit. The victory, sweet or not, boosted Hamilton's lead at the top of the drivers' standings to 162 points, 29 clear of teammate Valtteri Bottas and 62 ahead of Vettel. Mercedes also padded out their advantage in the constructors' standings to 295 with Ferrari on 172. Mercedes extend dominant streak With the exception of Mercedes, few in the huge crowd seemed happy with the outcome, loudly booing Hamilton during the winners' ceremony which seemed to catch the Briton off-guard. "All I can say is I didn't make the decision firstly so I don't know who they are booing at, maybe the decision," said Hamilton, who tried to have Vettel join him on the top step of the podium. The decision to penalise Vettel allowed Mercedes to extend their season-long domination, making it seven wins in seven races, including five in one-two formation. Bottas finished fourth and unhappy Ferrari took the other two places on the podium, Vettel in second and Charles Leclerc third. Red Bull's Max Verstappen, who had a disappointing qualifying and started 11th, worked his way up to a fifth-place result while Renault enjoy their best race of the season with Daniel Ricciardo taking sixth and Nico Hulkenberg seventh. Lance Stroll also put on a bit of show for the home fans, the Canadian coming home ninth to match his best result of the season for Racing Point. Vettel made it clear later that he was not directing his anger at Hamilton but reserved all his venom for the stewards. "People shouldn't boo at Lewis because you saw what was going on; I don't think there was any intention to be in harm's way," said Vettel. "I had trouble to stay on track but the people shouldn't boo at Lewis; if anything they should boo these funny decisions." More trouble could be heading the German's way with fines and penalties for missing the post-race weigh-in and parc ferme. While the race ended with the result Mercedes wanted it was nonetheless a fraught weekend for the Silver Arrows with Hamilton crashing in second practice on Friday and emergency repairs on Sunday hours and even minutes before the race. In a late scramble the team were forced to take apart the car and rebuild it after discovering a hydraulic leak, finishing repairs about eight minutes before the pit lane opened. If that was not enough, there was an issue just before Hamilton was about to step into the cockpit with the team quickly bleeding the brakes on his Mercedes because they were too soft.

Lewis Hamilton takes controversial win in Canada after Sebastian Vettel penalty

Ferrari announced on Monday their intention to appeal <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-takes-controversial-win-in-canada-after-sebastian-vettel-penalty-225869">the controversial five-second time penalty</a> that cost Sebastian Vettel his first victory of the season in the Canadian Grand Prix.

In a move that requires the Italian team formally to support their decision with new evidence within 96 hours, Ferrari kept alive the controversy that followed the stewards' mid-race penalty and resulted in a petulant demonstration of his fury afterwards by the German driver.

Vettel was punished for making an unsafe re-entry to the action after 48 laps after running off track and across a strip of grass, his move squeezing Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes towards a wall and blocking him from trying to take the lead.

Vettel went on to win the race 'on the road', but after his time penalty was applied he dropped to second and Hamilton claimed a record-equalling seventh victory in Canada.

In his annoyance, Vettel launched a tirade against the race stewards, stormed away from the immediate post-race interviews, moved a number two sign from his car to Hamilton's vehicle and declared the race had been stolen from him and Ferrari.

His team chief Mattia Binotto remained calm, but defiant, saying "we won the race."

Ferrari later notified the sport’s ruling body, the International Motoring Federation (FIA) of their intentions and now have until Thursday to supply fresh evidence.

'I would do the same'

Hamilton, who made clear Vettel's re-entry was dangerous, later admitted if their positions had been reversed, he would have done the same.

"I watched the replay," he said.&nbsp;

"It was obviously very close. If I was in the lead and I made a mistake and went wide, I probably would have done the same thing because it happened so quick and you're just trying to hold your position," he added.

"When I say I would do the same, I would try to squeeze him too. That's ultimately what happened."

Hamilton, however, defended the existence of the rule which led to the penalty.

"Say you didn't have that rule. I would have kept it lit and we would have crashed. So, one way or not, it was going to go badly," he said.

He said Vettel's move to squeeze his attack was understandable.

"It's a natural instinct that you have. You're not going to go 'actually, I better pull to the left and let everybody go by'. He did block me, but, unfortunately, he went off-track," he said.

"Ferrari were so strong this weekend – a really formidable force.

"We were lucky to be in the battle with them because they could have had a one-two if they had a front row, for example, but, luckily, I was able to stop that."

Hamilton also rejected suggestions comparing Vettel's mishap to the 2008 Belgian Grand Prix, where he was handed a post-race time penalty that gave a race win to Ferrari's Felipe Massa, the last incident of this type to decide a race.

"It was a lot different, but I do understand what it's like to lose a race and it's definitely not the way you want to win," he said.

It was the 12th time a driver who ‘won’ a Grand Prix race was stripped of victory.

Hamilton’s fifth win of the season and third in succession was also the 78th of his career and lifted him 29 points clear of Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas in the title race.

Bottas finished fourth behind Charles Leclerc in the second Ferrari, the first time this season Mercedes had failed to finish with both drivers on the podium. Bottas, however, did clock the fastest lap of the race to gain a bonus point.

Ferrari announced on Monday their intention to appeal the controversial five-second time penalty that cost Sebastian Vettel his first victory of the season in the Canadian Grand Prix.

Ferrari announced on Monday their intention to appeal the controversial five-second time penalty that cost Sebastian Vettel his first victory of the season in the Canadian Grand Prix. In a move that requires the Italian team formally to support their decision with new evidence within 96 hours, Ferrari kept alive the controversy that followed the stewards' mid-race penalty and resulted in a petulant demonstration of his fury afterwards by the German driver. Vettel was punished for making an unsafe re-entry to the action after 48 laps after running off track and across a strip of grass, his move squeezing Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes towards a wall and blocking him from trying to take the lead. Vettel went on to win the race 'on the road', but after his time penalty was applied he dropped to second and Hamilton claimed a record-equalling seventh victory in Canada. In his annoyance, Vettel launched a tirade against the race stewards, stormed away from the immediate post-race interviews, moved a number two sign from his car to Hamilton's vehicle and declared the race had been stolen from him and Ferrari. His team chief Mattia Binotto remained calm, but defiant, saying "we won the race." Ferrari later notified the sport’s ruling body, the International Motoring Federation (FIA) of their intentions and now have until Thursday to supply fresh evidence. 'I would do the same' Hamilton, who made clear Vettel's re-entry was dangerous, later admitted if their positions had been reversed, he would have done the same. "I watched the replay," he said. "It was obviously very close. If I was in the lead and I made a mistake and went wide, I probably would have done the same thing because it happened so quick and you're just trying to hold your position," he added. "When I say I would do the same, I would try to squeeze him too. That's ultimately what happened." Hamilton, however, defended the existence of the rule which led to the penalty. "Say you didn't have that rule. I would have kept it lit and we would have crashed. So, one way or not, it was going to go badly," he said. He said Vettel's move to squeeze his attack was understandable. "It's a natural instinct that you have. You're not going to go 'actually, I better pull to the left and let everybody go by'. He did block me, but, unfortunately, he went off-track," he said. "Ferrari were so strong this weekend – a really formidable force. "We were lucky to be in the battle with them because they could have had a one-two if they had a front row, for example, but, luckily, I was able to stop that." Hamilton also rejected suggestions comparing Vettel's mishap to the 2008 Belgian Grand Prix, where he was handed a post-race time penalty that gave a race win to Ferrari's Felipe Massa, the last incident of this type to decide a race. "It was a lot different, but I do understand what it's like to lose a race and it's definitely not the way you want to win," he said. It was the 12th time a driver who ‘won’ a Grand Prix race was stripped of victory. Hamilton’s fifth win of the season and third in succession was also the 78th of his career and lifted him 29 points clear of Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas in the title race. Bottas finished fourth behind Charles Leclerc in the second Ferrari, the first time this season Mercedes had failed to finish with both drivers on the podium. Bottas, however, did clock the fastest lap of the race to gain a bonus point.

Ferrari plan appeal after Sebastian Vettel second-place Canada furore

Sebastian Vettel put Ferrari on pole at the Canadian Grand Prix for the second consecutive year on Saturday, snatching top spot from Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton at the death with a breath-taking lap.

Vettel, who won from pole position last year in Canada to revive Ferrari's title hopes, will be hoping for the same on Sunday with world championship leader Hamilton, chasing a record equalling seventh win in Montreal, starting alongside him.

It was the German's first pole in 17 races and 56th of his career.

Vettel's teammate Charles LeClerc will start third and Renault's Daniel Ricciardo a surprise fourth for his best qualifying effort of the season.

Red Bull's Pierre Gasly grabbed fifth on the grid and will start alongside the Mercedes of Valtteri Bottas, who could do no better than sixth after an early spin in the final session sent the Finn to the pits.

The importance of the pole was not lost on an emotional Vettel, who could not contain his jubilation, screaming his delight over the radio when his pit informed him "pole".

It was an eventful and dramatic qualifying session as Hamilton went first with the clock counting down, only to have Vettel bump him from top spot a tick later setting up what should be a fascinating duel on Sunday.

"I am full of adrenaline, you know what the feeling is when the car just keeps coming, you feel the grip and you go for it, that was one of those laps," smiled Vettel, who starts from pole for the first time since Hockenheim last year.

"I am very happy the last 17 races, the last weeks have been quite tough ones.

"I really enjoyed it, I wish I could do it again just for the fun of it.

"I had to pace to pace myself a bit in the first two corners because getting the tyres to grip up wasn't straight forward but after that it was just a joy the car was shouting, 'keep going, keep going'."

After taking pole and topping two of the three practice sessions, Ferrari will hope that translates into similar performance on Sunday as they look to end Mercedes' season-long domination on the island circuit named after Ferrari great Gilles Villeneuve.

Mercedes have swept all six races this season, five in a one-two formation, putting pressure on rivals Ferrari to get their challenge back on track.

"I think we gave it everything today, so I'm not disappointed," said Hamilton. The timing was right, our procedures were good and I did everything I could.

"Overall, I'm happy with the job we've done and it leaves us in a good position for the race.

"I'm glad I've been able to split the Ferraris today and tomorrow is going to be an interesting race.

"Hopefully we can put on a good show tomorrow."

If Ferrari was going to make a fight back it was expected to come in Montreal on a power sensitive track that plays to the Italian outfit's straight line speed which has been evident all week.

A win would certainly help Vettel's cause as he attempts to get back into the driver's championship fight.

Hamilton leads the standings 17 points clear of Bottas with Vettel 55 adrift of the Briton.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen spent much of qualifying complaining to his pit about traffic and a lack of grip but was ultimately undone when Haas's Kevin Magnussen crashed in front of him and he did not make the final round of qualifying.

He will start Sunday's race in 11th position.

Sebastian Vettel put Ferrari on pole at the Canadian Grand Prix for the second consecutive year on Saturday, snatching top spot from Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton at the death with a breath-taking lap.

Sebastian Vettel put Ferrari on pole at the Canadian Grand Prix for the second consecutive year on Saturday, snatching top spot from Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton at the death with a breath-taking lap. Vettel, who won from pole position last year in Canada to revive Ferrari's title hopes, will be hoping for the same on Sunday with world championship leader Hamilton, chasing a record equalling seventh win in Montreal, starting alongside him. It was the German's first pole in 17 races and 56th of his career. Vettel's teammate Charles LeClerc will start third and Renault's Daniel Ricciardo a surprise fourth for his best qualifying effort of the season. Red Bull's Pierre Gasly grabbed fifth on the grid and will start alongside the Mercedes of Valtteri Bottas, who could do no better than sixth after an early spin in the final session sent the Finn to the pits. The importance of the pole was not lost on an emotional Vettel, who could not contain his jubilation, screaming his delight over the radio when his pit informed him "pole". It was an eventful and dramatic qualifying session as Hamilton went first with the clock counting down, only to have Vettel bump him from top spot a tick later setting up what should be a fascinating duel on Sunday. "I am full of adrenaline, you know what the feeling is when the car just keeps coming, you feel the grip and you go for it, that was one of those laps," smiled Vettel, who starts from pole for the first time since Hockenheim last year. "I am very happy the last 17 races, the last weeks have been quite tough ones. "I really enjoyed it, I wish I could do it again just for the fun of it. "I had to pace to pace myself a bit in the first two corners because getting the tyres to grip up wasn't straight forward but after that it was just a joy the car was shouting, 'keep going, keep going'." After taking pole and topping two of the three practice sessions, Ferrari will hope that translates into similar performance on Sunday as they look to end Mercedes' season-long domination on the island circuit named after Ferrari great Gilles Villeneuve. Mercedes have swept all six races this season, five in a one-two formation, putting pressure on rivals Ferrari to get their challenge back on track. "I think we gave it everything today, so I'm not disappointed," said Hamilton. The timing was right, our procedures were good and I did everything I could. "Overall, I'm happy with the job we've done and it leaves us in a good position for the race. "I'm glad I've been able to split the Ferraris today and tomorrow is going to be an interesting race. "Hopefully we can put on a good show tomorrow." If Ferrari was going to make a fight back it was expected to come in Montreal on a power sensitive track that plays to the Italian outfit's straight line speed which has been evident all week. A win would certainly help Vettel's cause as he attempts to get back into the driver's championship fight. Hamilton leads the standings 17 points clear of Bottas with Vettel 55 adrift of the Briton. Red Bull's Max Verstappen spent much of qualifying complaining to his pit about traffic and a lack of grip but was ultimately undone when Haas's Kevin Magnussen crashed in front of him and he did not make the final round of qualifying. He will start Sunday's race in 11th position.

Sebastian Vettel puts Ferrari on pole at Canadian Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton snatched a dramatic pole position for Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix with an all-time circuit record lap in the final seconds to outpace Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas by 0.086 seconds.

The defending five-time champion and series leader clocked an unprecedented lap in 1min 10.166sec to end Bottas' run of three successive poles as Mercedes, mourning the death this week of non-executive chairman Niki Lauda, produced a record-equalling 62nd front-row lockout.

It was an emotional Hamilton's second pole in Monaco and the 84th of his career as he dug deep in the final seconds to find the speed required to grab the prime grid position from his team-mate.

"Whoooah!" shouted Hamilton on team radio. "That's what I am talking about…."

Max Verstappen was third for Red Bull ahead of four-time champion Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari, Pierre Gasly in the second Red Bull and Kevin Magnussen for Haas.

Last year's race winner Daniel Ricciardo was seventh for Renault ahead of Daniel Kvyat of Toro Rosso, Carlos Sainz of McLaren and Alex Albon in the second Toro Rosso.

"This is the race that every driver dreams of, even as a kid," said Hamilton.

"We've arrived with a great car, a great battle with Valtteri and I think the desire and the will to get this pole. I've had to dig deeper than ever before.

"We all take our cars, fast or slow, to the limit and here, at the limit, it's like wrestling a bull. I had an oversteer moment in the Rascasse and I just held on."

Bottas said: "I'm disappointed. I felt after the first lap there were plenty of places to improve, but I had traffic and couldn't get the tyres up to temperature."

Luckless local hero Charles Leclerc qualified 16th after a strategic muddle by Ferrari in the opening part of qualifying.

After Vettel’s crash in the morning’s final free practice session, Q1 began cautiously in the warmest conditions of the weekend, the track registering 44 degrees Celsius under a hazy sun.

Mercedes, as they feared, found the conditions testing and required longer to bring their tyres alive, but were soon first and third with Bottas and Hamilton sandwiching Verstappen.

Vettel then bounced his left rear wheel off the barriers in the swimming pool complex, requiring a rapid pit-stop.

He emerged with seconds remaining on shiny new 'softs' as Hamilton topped Bottas, but faced a desperate rush to re-climb from 17th – and exceeded expectations by going fastest in a frantic finale.&nbsp;

Leclerc was left standing in the Ferrari garage as he tumbled down the timesheets to finish 16th, the team not keeping him out after he missed a signal to the weighbridge.

He was pushed back to the scales, to avoid any penalty, but it was another example of Ferrari’s operational and decision-making failings.

"I need explanations," said Leclerc. "The problem was not the weighbridge and I have had no real answers. It is very difficult to take as we had plenty of time and enough fuel… Now, I must take risks in the race."

Out with an upset Leclerc, who was fastest in the morning, went Sergio Perez, Lance Stroll, George Russell and Robert Kubica.

Q2 then began with a blistering record lap from Bottas in 1:10.701. Hamilton was one-tenth down for second with Verstappen third ahead of Kvyat.

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An incredible end to qualifying as <a href="https://twitter.com/LewisHamilton?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LewisHamilton</a> pips team mate Valtteri Bottas to pole in Monte Carlo<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MonacoGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MonacoGP</a> 🇲🇨 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://t.co/uzhGYvlvft">pic.twitter.com/uzhGYvlvft</a>
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With four minutes remaining, all 15 returned for a final flurry in which Verstappen topped Bottas in 1:10.618 – a record that suggested he might repeat Red Bull’s success, with Ricciardo, last year.

Out went Nico Hulkenberg, Lando Norris, Romain Grosjean, Kimi Raikkonen and his Alfa team-mate Antonio Giovinazzi, all bickering about the traffic and blocking before the top ten shootout.

On his first run, Bottas laid down a marker in a record 1:10.252 to lead the way ahead of Verstappen as Hamilton struggled for a clean lap, but all that changed on his final run.

Lewis Hamilton snatched a dramatic pole position for Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix with an all-time circuit record lap in the final seconds to outpace Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas by 0.

Lewis Hamilton snatched a dramatic pole position for Sunday's Monaco Grand Prix with an all-time circuit record lap in the final seconds to outpace Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas by 0.086 seconds. The defending five-time champion and series leader clocked an unprecedented lap in 1min 10.166sec to end Bottas' run of three successive poles as Mercedes, mourning the death this week of non-executive chairman Niki Lauda, produced a record-equalling 62nd front-row lockout. It was an emotional Hamilton's second pole in Monaco and the 84th of his career as he dug deep in the final seconds to find the speed required to grab the prime grid position from his team-mate. "Whoooah!" shouted Hamilton on team radio. "That's what I am talking about…." Max Verstappen was third for Red Bull ahead of four-time champion Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari, Pierre Gasly in the second Red Bull and Kevin Magnussen for Haas. Last year's race winner Daniel Ricciardo was seventh for Renault ahead of Daniel Kvyat of Toro Rosso, Carlos Sainz of McLaren and Alex Albon in the second Toro Rosso. "This is the race that every driver dreams of, even as a kid," said Hamilton. "We've arrived with a great car, a great battle with Valtteri and I think the desire and the will to get this pole. I've had to dig deeper than ever before. "We all take our cars, fast or slow, to the limit and here, at the limit, it's like wrestling a bull. I had an oversteer moment in the Rascasse and I just held on." Bottas said: "I'm disappointed. I felt after the first lap there were plenty of places to improve, but I had traffic and couldn't get the tyres up to temperature." Luckless local hero Charles Leclerc qualified 16th after a strategic muddle by Ferrari in the opening part of qualifying. After Vettel’s crash in the morning’s final free practice session, Q1 began cautiously in the warmest conditions of the weekend, the track registering 44 degrees Celsius under a hazy sun. Mercedes, as they feared, found the conditions testing and required longer to bring their tyres alive, but were soon first and third with Bottas and Hamilton sandwiching Verstappen. Vettel then bounced his left rear wheel off the barriers in the swimming pool complex, requiring a rapid pit-stop. He emerged with seconds remaining on shiny new 'softs' as Hamilton topped Bottas, but faced a desperate rush to re-climb from 17th – and exceeded expectations by going fastest in a frantic finale. Leclerc was left standing in the Ferrari garage as he tumbled down the timesheets to finish 16th, the team not keeping him out after he missed a signal to the weighbridge. He was pushed back to the scales, to avoid any penalty, but it was another example of Ferrari’s operational and decision-making failings. "I need explanations," said Leclerc. "The problem was not the weighbridge and I have had no real answers. It is very difficult to take as we had plenty of time and enough fuel… Now, I must take risks in the race." Out with an upset Leclerc, who was fastest in the morning, went Sergio Perez, Lance Stroll, George Russell and Robert Kubica. Q2 then began with a blistering record lap from Bottas in 1:10.701. Hamilton was one-tenth down for second with Verstappen third ahead of Kvyat. 👀 An incredible end to qualifying as @LewisHamilton pips team mate Valtteri Bottas to pole in Monte Carlo#MonacoGP 🇲🇨 #F1 pic.twitter.com/uzhGYvlvft — Formula 1 (@F1) May 25, 2019 × With four minutes remaining, all 15 returned for a final flurry in which Verstappen topped Bottas in 1:10.618 – a record that suggested he might repeat Red Bull’s success, with Ricciardo, last year. Out went Nico Hulkenberg, Lando Norris, Romain Grosjean, Kimi Raikkonen and his Alfa team-mate Antonio Giovinazzi, all bickering about the traffic and blocking before the top ten shootout. On his first run, Bottas laid down a marker in a record 1:10.252 to lead the way ahead of Verstappen as Hamilton struggled for a clean lap, but all that changed on his final run.

Lewis Hamilton snatches dramatic Monaco GP pole with record lap

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Lewis+Hamilton">Lewis Hamilton</a> beat Valtteri Bottas in the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday to replace his team-mate as world championship leader as Mercedes' extended their record start to the season with a fifth 1-2 finish.

The defending five-time world champion seized the initiative at the start in Barcelona and led from lights to flag with a consummate demonstration of his speed and race-craft at the Circuit de Catalunya.

It was his third win this year, the 76th of his career and his fourth in Spain following victories in 2014, 2017 and 2018. &nbsp;

Responding to being outpaced by Bottas in qualifying, Hamilton came home 4.074 seconds ahead of the Finn who was second ahead of Max Verstappen of Red Bull, four-time champion Sebastian Vettel and his Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc.

Pierre Gasly was a solid sixth in the second Red Bull ahead of Kevin Magnussen of Haas, home hero Carlos Sainz of McLaren, Daniil Kvyat of Toro Rosso and Romain Grosjean in the second Haas.

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A first <a href="https://twitter.com/DHL_Motorsports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DHL_Motorsports</a> Fastest Lap Award of the season for <a href="https://twitter.com/LewisHamilton?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@LewisHamilton</a> ⏱️ 
 
And a valuable bonus point for him in the title race 🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpanishGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpanishGP</a> 🇪🇸 <a href="https://t.co/ojtyIRoIBL">pic.twitter.com/ojtyIRoIBL</a>
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It was the 16th time that Hamilton won a Grand Prix after leading every lap of the race.

Hamilton’s triumph hoisted him back to the top of the standings with 112 points, including one for fastest lap, ahead of Bottas on 105

"I have to put it down to this incredible team,” said Hamilton. “This is history in the making to have five 1-2’s. I am very proud of that!

"It's definitely been a bit of a hard first four races. Naturally we have a great car, but we don't always get along. I'm grateful in the race that we managed to settle our differences.”

Bottas said: “I lost it there, at the start. The clutch was strange – bite and release, bite and release. I’ve never had that before.”&nbsp;

Lewis Hamilton beat Valtteri Bottas in the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday to replace his team-mate as world championship leader as Mercedes' extended their record start to the season with a fifth 1-2 finish.

Lewis Hamilton beat Valtteri Bottas in the Spanish Grand Prix on Sunday to replace his team-mate as world championship leader as Mercedes' extended their record start to the season with a fifth 1-2 finish. The defending five-time world champion seized the initiative at the start in Barcelona and led from lights to flag with a consummate demonstration of his speed and race-craft at the Circuit de Catalunya. It was his third win this year, the 76th of his career and his fourth in Spain following victories in 2014, 2017 and 2018. Responding to being outpaced by Bottas in qualifying, Hamilton came home 4.074 seconds ahead of the Finn who was second ahead of Max Verstappen of Red Bull, four-time champion Sebastian Vettel and his Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc. Pierre Gasly was a solid sixth in the second Red Bull ahead of Kevin Magnussen of Haas, home hero Carlos Sainz of McLaren, Daniil Kvyat of Toro Rosso and Romain Grosjean in the second Haas. A first @DHL_Motorsports Fastest Lap Award of the season for @LewisHamilton ⏱️ And a valuable bonus point for him in the title race 🏆#F1 #SpanishGP 🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/ojtyIRoIBL — Formula 1 (@F1) May 12, 2019 × It was the 16th time that Hamilton won a Grand Prix after leading every lap of the race. Hamilton’s triumph hoisted him back to the top of the standings with 112 points, including one for fastest lap, ahead of Bottas on 105 "I have to put it down to this incredible team,” said Hamilton. “This is history in the making to have five 1-2’s. I am very proud of that! "It's definitely been a bit of a hard first four races. Naturally we have a great car, but we don't always get along. I'm grateful in the race that we managed to settle our differences.” Bottas said: “I lost it there, at the start. The clutch was strange – bite and release, bite and release. I’ve never had that before.”

Lewis Hamilton wins Spanish Grand Prix, takes championship lead

Formula One leader Valtteri Bottas put his Mercedes on pole position by a massive margin at the Spanish Grand Prix on Saturday (May 11) with team mate Lewis Hamilton having to settle for second in a front row lockout.

The pole was a third in a row for the re-energised Finn, who leads Hamilton by a single point after four of the 21 races, and he did it in a track record time of one minute 15.406 seconds.

That was a hefty 0.634 quicker than Hamilton's best effort, dashing the five-times world champion's hopes of record-extending 85th career pole.

Sebastian Vettel qualified in third place, in 1:16.272, with Red Bull's 2016 Spanish Grand Prix winner Max Verstappen fourth and sandwiched between the Ferraris, with Charles Leclerc fifth.

"I really enjoyed that, I enjoyed the adrenaline rush we get from those laps, I'm very pleased," said the Finn, who will be chasing his third win of the season on Sunday.

Hamilton said his laps in the final phase of qualifying could have been better, with a scrappy first effort kicking up gravel, but the upgrades brought by Mercedes to the start of the traditional European part of the campaign were working well.

The Briton, winner for the past two seasons in Barcelona and three times in all, said Bottas had simply been quicker on the day.

Mercedes have won the first four races one-two, a record start for any team, despite Ferrari setting the pace in pre-season testing.

Formula One leader Valtteri Bottas put his Mercedes on pole position by a massive margin at the Spanish Grand Prix on Saturday (May 11) with team mate Lewis Hamilton having to settle for second in a front row lockout.

Formula One leader Valtteri Bottas put his Mercedes on pole position by a massive margin at the Spanish Grand Prix on Saturday (May 11) with team mate Lewis Hamilton having to settle for second in a front row lockout. The pole was a third in a row for the re-energised Finn, who leads Hamilton by a single point after four of the 21 races, and he did it in a track record time of one minute 15.406 seconds. That was a hefty 0.634 quicker than Hamilton's best effort, dashing the five-times world champion's hopes of record-extending 85th career pole. Sebastian Vettel qualified in third place, in 1:16.272, with Red Bull's 2016 Spanish Grand Prix winner Max Verstappen fourth and sandwiched between the Ferraris, with Charles Leclerc fifth. "I really enjoyed that, I enjoyed the adrenaline rush we get from those laps, I'm very pleased," said the Finn, who will be chasing his third win of the season on Sunday. Hamilton said his laps in the final phase of qualifying could have been better, with a scrappy first effort kicking up gravel, but the upgrades brought by Mercedes to the start of the traditional European part of the campaign were working well. The Briton, winner for the past two seasons in Barcelona and three times in all, said Bottas had simply been quicker on the day. Mercedes have won the first four races one-two, a record start for any team, despite Ferrari setting the pace in pre-season testing.

Valtteri Bottas on pole in Spain for third race in a row

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