Lewis Hamilton said he was in no hurry to win a sixth world championship after the title battle was reduced to a two-horse Mercedes race at the Japanese Grand Prix.

The Formula One circus moves on to Mexico in two weeks' time where Hamilton, enjoying a 64-point lead over Valtteri Bottas, can wrap up a third consecutive drivers' crown if he outscores his teammate by 14 points or more.

More likely is that the battle will be concluded at the subsequent race at the Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

Bottas's victory at Suzuka and Hamilton's third-place clinched a sixth consecutive constructors' championship for Mercedes and left the Finn as the only driver who can catch Hamilton over the final four races of the campaign.

"I think for me it's never been a case of always wanting to rush things," Hamilton told reporters Sunday adding that he expected a tough battle from his teammate over the final few races.

"Valtteri's driven well all year long, he's done a great job today and he will most likely do a very, very solid job these next races, so we still have a battle, the fight continues," he added.

Hamilton is not expecting an easy time in the rarefied high-altitude air of Mexico which should suit Ferrari, who holds an obvious advantage in straight-line speed.

"I think Mexico is generally our worst race of the year because of the way our car is set up and it's going to be a tough one for us," said a downbeat Hamilton, who was quicker on fresher tyres than second-placed Sebastian Vettel in the closing stages at Suzuka but was unable to barge past.

"The last few (races) have been pretty shocking, even though we've won the title," he said after resurgent Ferrari won in three races out of four up to Japan and out qualified Mercedes comfortably at Suzuka.

"I'm hoping for a better weekend but I think it's going to be very hard to beat the Ferraris with those long straights.&nbsp;

"We have no hope of getting by on those straights, that's for sure but even if you look at the others, the McLarens are picking up some serious speeds on the straights, so are the Red Bulls so I think it will be a tricky one.&nbsp;

"I don't anticipate (the title win) will be Mexico. I think we will be battling for a good few races."

Bottas jumped from third to first with an electric start to win in Japan ahead of Vettel and Hamilton.

With only Bottas now able to overtake Hamilton in the standings, Mercedes clinched an unprecedented sixth successive world championship double of drivers and constructors titles.

Hamilton dedicated the achievement to the team's former non-executive director Niki Lauda, who died in May.

"It definitely feels a little bit different," Hamilton said of the three-time Formula One world champion.&nbsp;

"I wouldn't say as happy as previously because naturally we lost Niki this year and it doesn't feel the same without him.&nbsp;

"Every time I walk into the garage I see Niki's headphones and his cap. I sat and I looked at it today.

"I think the whole team and the whole of Mercedes will probably dedicate this to Niki. I definitely do."

Lewis Hamilton said he was in no hurry to win a sixth world championship after the title battle was reduced to a two-horse Mercedes race at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton said he was in no hurry to win a sixth world championship after the title battle was reduced to a two-horse Mercedes race at the Japanese Grand Prix. The Formula One circus moves on to Mexico in two weeks' time where Hamilton, enjoying a 64-point lead over Valtteri Bottas, can wrap up a third consecutive drivers' crown if he outscores his teammate by 14 points or more. More likely is that the battle will be concluded at the subsequent race at the Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Bottas's victory at Suzuka and Hamilton's third-place clinched a sixth consecutive constructors' championship for Mercedes and left the Finn as the only driver who can catch Hamilton over the final four races of the campaign. "I think for me it's never been a case of always wanting to rush things," Hamilton told reporters Sunday adding that he expected a tough battle from his teammate over the final few races. "Valtteri's driven well all year long, he's done a great job today and he will most likely do a very, very solid job these next races, so we still have a battle, the fight continues," he added. Hamilton is not expecting an easy time in the rarefied high-altitude air of Mexico which should suit Ferrari, who holds an obvious advantage in straight-line speed. "I think Mexico is generally our worst race of the year because of the way our car is set up and it's going to be a tough one for us," said a downbeat Hamilton, who was quicker on fresher tyres than second-placed Sebastian Vettel in the closing stages at Suzuka but was unable to barge past. "The last few (races) have been pretty shocking, even though we've won the title," he said after resurgent Ferrari won in three races out of four up to Japan and out qualified Mercedes comfortably at Suzuka. "I'm hoping for a better weekend but I think it's going to be very hard to beat the Ferraris with those long straights. "We have no hope of getting by on those straights, that's for sure but even if you look at the others, the McLarens are picking up some serious speeds on the straights, so are the Red Bulls so I think it will be a tricky one. "I don't anticipate (the title win) will be Mexico. I think we will be battling for a good few races." Bottas jumped from third to first with an electric start to win in Japan ahead of Vettel and Hamilton. With only Bottas now able to overtake Hamilton in the standings, Mercedes clinched an unprecedented sixth successive world championship double of drivers and constructors titles. Hamilton dedicated the achievement to the team's former non-executive director Niki Lauda, who died in May. "It definitely feels a little bit different," Hamilton said of the three-time Formula One world champion. "I wouldn't say as happy as previously because naturally we lost Niki this year and it doesn't feel the same without him. "Every time I walk into the garage I see Niki's headphones and his cap. I sat and I looked at it today. "I think the whole team and the whole of Mercedes will probably dedicate this to Niki. I definitely do."

Lewis Hamilton in no hurry to win Formula One title in Mexico

World champion Lewis Hamilton felt Mercedes had the car to win the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday but strategic errors in the middle of the race cost him a chance of victory as the championship leader had to settle for a fourth-place finish.

Hamilton started alongside pole-sitter Charles Leclerc on the front row with the second Ferrari of Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull's Max Verstappen behind him.&nbsp;

After fighting off Vettel to slot in behind Leclerc on the opening lap, Mercedes opted to keep Hamilton out for longer than his rivals rather than attempt an undercut to claim the lead, but the plan backfired when he emerged from his pit stop behind the Ferraris and the Red Bull.

"It's not been the weekend we wanted at all. I was all over Charles in the first stint and I think we had the pace to win the race today," Hamilton told reporters after the Grand Prix finished with a Vettel-Leclerc Ferrari one-two and Verstappen completing the podium.

"We discussed the possibility of the undercut in the strategy meeting this morning and I wanted to take the risk but then Ferrari decided to box (pit), so we did the opposite and I stayed out.&nbsp;

"I pushed hard and the tyres were feeling good, but after a few laps they started to drop off real quick. We made mistakes tonight, but in this team, we win and we lose together.

"We don't point the finger at people, that's always been our philosophy and that won't change because of one race.&nbsp;

"We're fighting a Ferrari team who are super hungry and pushing very hard," he added of the Italian outfit, who have now won the last three races.&nbsp;

"It's on each one of us to do a better job. I believe we're the best team, but we've got to push on. We'll debrief tonight, put our heads back in the scrum, and then come back fighting at the next race."&nbsp;

Team principal Toto Wolff felt Mercedes could have made better calls during the race.

"The undercut was more powerful than everyone expected and it would have been the right strategy call for us," he said of the decision to keep Hamilton out for seven laps longer than the other front runners.&nbsp;

"Once we had missed the chance for the undercut, we were hoping to create some opportunities later in the race by offsetting our tyres, but that plan didn't work," he added.&nbsp;

"I think we had a car capable for pole yesterday and we had an opportunity to win today, but we made too many mistakes. We're aware that we didn't deliver to the standards that we set ourselves this weekend, so we will review it and see where we can improve for Russia."&nbsp;

Despite the disappointing result, Hamilton still extended his lead over Mercedes team mate Valtteri Bottas, who was fifth, to 65 points with six rounds remaining.

World champion Lewis Hamilton felt Mercedes had the car to win the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday but strategic errors in the middle of the race cost him a chance of victory as the championship leader had to settle for a fourth-place finish.

World champion Lewis Hamilton felt Mercedes had the car to win the Singapore Grand Prix on Sunday but strategic errors in the middle of the race cost him a chance of victory as the championship leader had to settle for a fourth-place finish. Hamilton started alongside pole-sitter Charles Leclerc on the front row with the second Ferrari of Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull's Max Verstappen behind him. After fighting off Vettel to slot in behind Leclerc on the opening lap, Mercedes opted to keep Hamilton out for longer than his rivals rather than attempt an undercut to claim the lead, but the plan backfired when he emerged from his pit stop behind the Ferraris and the Red Bull. "It's not been the weekend we wanted at all. I was all over Charles in the first stint and I think we had the pace to win the race today," Hamilton told reporters after the Grand Prix finished with a Vettel-Leclerc Ferrari one-two and Verstappen completing the podium. "We discussed the possibility of the undercut in the strategy meeting this morning and I wanted to take the risk but then Ferrari decided to box (pit), so we did the opposite and I stayed out. "I pushed hard and the tyres were feeling good, but after a few laps they started to drop off real quick. We made mistakes tonight, but in this team, we win and we lose together. "We don't point the finger at people, that's always been our philosophy and that won't change because of one race. "We're fighting a Ferrari team who are super hungry and pushing very hard," he added of the Italian outfit, who have now won the last three races. "It's on each one of us to do a better job. I believe we're the best team, but we've got to push on. We'll debrief tonight, put our heads back in the scrum, and then come back fighting at the next race." Team principal Toto Wolff felt Mercedes could have made better calls during the race. "The undercut was more powerful than everyone expected and it would have been the right strategy call for us," he said of the decision to keep Hamilton out for seven laps longer than the other front runners. "Once we had missed the chance for the undercut, we were hoping to create some opportunities later in the race by offsetting our tyres, but that plan didn't work," he added. "I think we had a car capable for pole yesterday and we had an opportunity to win today, but we made too many mistakes. We're aware that we didn't deliver to the standards that we set ourselves this weekend, so we will review it and see where we can improve for Russia." Despite the disappointing result, Hamilton still extended his lead over Mercedes team mate Valtteri Bottas, who was fifth, to 65 points with six rounds remaining.

Lewis Hamilton blames Mercedes strategy for Singapore result

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

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

Lewis Hamilton on Monday predicted more success for his triumphant Ferrari rival <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ferraris-charles-leclerc-wins-belgian-gp-for-first-race-victory-247028">Charles Leclerc</a> and tipped the Monegasque driver as the favourite for this week's Italian Grand Prix at Monza. &nbsp;

After finishing second behind Leclerc at the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday, a race weekend overshadowed by the death of French Formula Two driver <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/family-and-motor-racing-teams-pay-tribute-to-anthoine-hubert-247020">Anthoine Hubert</a> a day earlier, Hamilton forecast that having finally secured his maiden win, Leclerc would now go on to claim more victories.&nbsp;

"Ferrari are going to have a happy weekend at Monza," said the defending five-time champion and current series leader.

"They are so much faster than us and Monza is all straights ... We will do our best, but it is going to be a tough job to match them."

Hamilton increased his lead in this year’s title race to 69 points ahead of re-signed Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, who came home third, and was quick to praise 21-year-old Leclerc for his performance under pressure.

Leclerc, who started from pole and resisted intense Hamilton pressure as he chased him in the closing laps, dedicated his win to his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/family-and-motor-racing-teams-pay-tribute-to-anthoine-hubert-247020">late friend Hubert</a>.&nbsp;

"He did a great job," said Hamilton. "Even if we had different strategies, it would have been hard to have beaten him. He deserved to win."

Greatness

Leclerc, widely tipped as a future champion, performed with grace and humanity on and off the circuit during a stressful race weekend that saw him move within 12 points of his Ferrari team-mate and four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel in the drivers’ standings.

He has now out-qualified Vettel at six races in succession, leaving the German battling to retain his status as Ferrari’s lead driver.&nbsp;

On Sunday, Vettel was asked to pull over and allow Leclerc to pass mid-race on his way to finishing fourth. It is now more than a year since his last win, ironically at Belgium in 2018.&nbsp;

"I think his results speak for themselves really," added Hamilton, referring to Leclerc, who has delivered five podium finishes in his last seven outings.

"It's not easy for any driver to jump into a top team, let alone Ferrari... and then to be continuous from race one, out-perform, out-qualify and out-drive a four-time world champion is not easy to do.

"So I think that speaks for itself. He's been really unlucky in quite a few races this year. Could easily have been the third win today.&nbsp;

"So, there's a lot more greatness to come from him and I'm looking forward to seeing his growth and racing alongside him ... Today, it was fun, trying to chase him. He was just a little bit too quick."

While Leclerc finally seized a victory, another young driver impressed by finishing fifth —- Red Bull rookie Alex Albon climbing from 17th to secure a strong result in his first race with the team following promotion from Toro Rosso.&nbsp;

"I’ve been very impressed with Alex’s performance and he put in a great recovery drive in his first race," said Red Bull team chief Christian Horner of the London-born Thai racer.

His Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen made a poor start and retired after crashing on the opening lap.

"I had some good fun out there and I enjoyed this race a lot," said Albon. "I started off the weekend very nervous and if you had told me I’d finish the race fifth I’d be very happy, but I’m a bit more relaxed now."

Lewis Hamilton on Monday predicted more success for his triumphant Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc and tipped the Monegasque driver as the favourite for this week's Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

Lewis Hamilton on Monday predicted more success for his triumphant Ferrari rival Charles Leclerc and tipped the Monegasque driver as the favourite for this week's Italian Grand Prix at Monza. After finishing second behind Leclerc at the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday, a race weekend overshadowed by the death of French Formula Two driver Anthoine Hubert a day earlier, Hamilton forecast that having finally secured his maiden win, Leclerc would now go on to claim more victories. "Ferrari are going to have a happy weekend at Monza," said the defending five-time champion and current series leader. "They are so much faster than us and Monza is all straights ... We will do our best, but it is going to be a tough job to match them." Hamilton increased his lead in this year’s title race to 69 points ahead of re-signed Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, who came home third, and was quick to praise 21-year-old Leclerc for his performance under pressure. Leclerc, who started from pole and resisted intense Hamilton pressure as he chased him in the closing laps, dedicated his win to his late friend Hubert. "He did a great job," said Hamilton. "Even if we had different strategies, it would have been hard to have beaten him. He deserved to win." Greatness Leclerc, widely tipped as a future champion, performed with grace and humanity on and off the circuit during a stressful race weekend that saw him move within 12 points of his Ferrari team-mate and four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel in the drivers’ standings. He has now out-qualified Vettel at six races in succession, leaving the German battling to retain his status as Ferrari’s lead driver. On Sunday, Vettel was asked to pull over and allow Leclerc to pass mid-race on his way to finishing fourth. It is now more than a year since his last win, ironically at Belgium in 2018. "I think his results speak for themselves really," added Hamilton, referring to Leclerc, who has delivered five podium finishes in his last seven outings. "It's not easy for any driver to jump into a top team, let alone Ferrari... and then to be continuous from race one, out-perform, out-qualify and out-drive a four-time world champion is not easy to do. "So I think that speaks for itself. He's been really unlucky in quite a few races this year. Could easily have been the third win today. "So, there's a lot more greatness to come from him and I'm looking forward to seeing his growth and racing alongside him ... Today, it was fun, trying to chase him. He was just a little bit too quick." While Leclerc finally seized a victory, another young driver impressed by finishing fifth —- Red Bull rookie Alex Albon climbing from 17th to secure a strong result in his first race with the team following promotion from Toro Rosso. "I’ve been very impressed with Alex’s performance and he put in a great recovery drive in his first race," said Red Bull team chief Christian Horner of the London-born Thai racer. His Red Bull team-mate Max Verstappen made a poor start and retired after crashing on the opening lap. "I had some good fun out there and I enjoyed this race a lot," said Albon. "I started off the weekend very nervous and if you had told me I’d finish the race fifth I’d be very happy, but I’m a bit more relaxed now."

Charles Leclerc destined for greatness, says Lewis Hamilton

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>
— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/1167748163496742913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2019</a></blockquote>
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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

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>
— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/1158027287247433728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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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

Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton set a track record in final practice for the Hungarian Grand Prix on Saturday with Red Bull's Max Verstappen looking the Mercedes driver's closest rival for qualifying.

Hamilton went top of the timing screens right at the end of a session that was shortened by 10 minutes to allow track workers time to clear oil dumped earlier by a blown Formula Two engine.

The Briton's time of one minute 16.084 was 0.013 quicker than Verstappen's best.

Three different teams filled the top three places, separated by just 0.082 seconds with Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel third.

Valtteri Bottas was fourth fastest for Mercedes, ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Red Bull's Pierre Gasly in sixth with clouds of white cement dust billowing up as cars went over the repairs.

McLaren's Lando Norris was best of the rest, 0.690 slower than Hamilton on a cloudy afternoon with a 60% chance of rain forecast for qualifying at the Hungaroring outside Budapest.

Five times champion Hamilton won from pole position last year and, 41 points clear of Bottas after 11 races, is chasing his eighth victory of the season.

Verstappen is the form driver, however, with two wins in the last three races even if the 21-year-old Dutchman has yet to start from pole position.

Poland's Robert Kubica, with plenty of support from his compatriots, was the slowest man on track but his Williams team mate George Russell was 18th and ahead of Racing Point's Lance Stroll.

Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton set a track record in final practice for the Hungarian Grand Prix on Saturday with Red Bull's Max Verstappen looking the Mercedes driver's closest rival for qualifying.

Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton set a track record in final practice for the Hungarian Grand Prix on Saturday with Red Bull's Max Verstappen looking the Mercedes driver's closest rival for qualifying. Hamilton went top of the timing screens right at the end of a session that was shortened by 10 minutes to allow track workers time to clear oil dumped earlier by a blown Formula Two engine. The Briton's time of one minute 16.084 was 0.013 quicker than Verstappen's best. Three different teams filled the top three places, separated by just 0.082 seconds with Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel third. Valtteri Bottas was fourth fastest for Mercedes, ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Red Bull's Pierre Gasly in sixth with clouds of white cement dust billowing up as cars went over the repairs. McLaren's Lando Norris was best of the rest, 0.690 slower than Hamilton on a cloudy afternoon with a 60% chance of rain forecast for qualifying at the Hungaroring outside Budapest. Five times champion Hamilton won from pole position last year and, 41 points clear of Bottas after 11 races, is chasing his eighth victory of the season. Verstappen is the form driver, however, with two wins in the last three races even if the 21-year-old Dutchman has yet to start from pole position. Poland's Robert Kubica, with plenty of support from his compatriots, was the slowest man on track but his Williams team mate George Russell was 18th and ahead of Racing Point's Lance Stroll.

Lewis Hamilton fastest in final Hungarian practice

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

Major takeaways from epic, rain-lashed and wildly-spectacular German GP

Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff was critical of his team's preparations and reactions on Sunday after both drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas crashed out of contention in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/red-bulls-max-verstappen-wins-chaotic-german-grand-prix-239045">chaotic rain-hit German Grand Prix</a>.

Wolff, wearing braces and 'baggies' as part of champions Mercedes' decision to revert to 'retro' 1950s outfits in celebration of 125 years of motorsport, said the team was not prepared and made the "wrong calls".

The Austrian team boss seemed frustrated and angry that the team were distracted from their jobs by a need to dress in old overalls and flat caps.

Dutchman Max Verstappen claimed his second victory of the season for Red Bull, making five pit-stops on the way, to finish ahead of Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari and Daniil Kvyat of Toro Rosso.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/major-takeaways-from-epic-rain-lashed-and-wildly-spectacular-german-gp-239075">Major takeaways from epic, rain-lashed and wildly-spectacular German GP</a>

Defending five-time champion Hamilton, who had been feeling poorly with a sore throat, finished 11th after two mistakes and six pit-stops while Bottas crashed out in the closing laps.

It was the team's 200th Formula One race start as a constructor, another cause for their celebrations in advance at their home race where their parent company was the event's main sponsor.

"Many drivers crashed," said Wolff. "Overall, for us, it was a bad day and, for the drivers, it was a bad day, it cannot go much worse.

"This shows that you shouldn't fool around with the staff. You should concentrate on the job. We are not superstitious, but we believe in karma and it's a day to learn."

He added: "I think we had a decent start with good pace. Then you had incidents, crashing out in tricky conditions, the wrong calls."

Asked about Hamilton's crash and pit-stop, he said: "It was unfortunate, crashing right at the entry of the pit lane.&nbsp; You are not prepared. We made the wrong calls afterwards -- it was all coming together.

"Many others made the same mistake. Leclerc crashed and many others crashed."

Hamilton finished outside the points for the first time in 23 outings for Mercedes.

He said: "It was my worst day in the office for a long, long time. You live and you learn. I don't know what happened today, but I'm glad its over and there are more races ahead so we can focus on regrouping and coming back strong."

He accepted his share of the blame for the team’s worst result since Hamilton and Nico Rosberg collided on the first lap of the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, when Verstappen won on his debut with Red Bull.&nbsp;

"Me hitting the wall not helpful and them putting on the slick tyres not helpful either," he said.

Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff was critical of his team's preparations and reactions on Sunday after both drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas crashed out of contention in a chaotic rain-hit German Grand Prix.

Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff was critical of his team's preparations and reactions on Sunday after both drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas crashed out of contention in a chaotic rain-hit German Grand Prix. Wolff, wearing braces and 'baggies' as part of champions Mercedes' decision to revert to 'retro' 1950s outfits in celebration of 125 years of motorsport, said the team was not prepared and made the "wrong calls". The Austrian team boss seemed frustrated and angry that the team were distracted from their jobs by a need to dress in old overalls and flat caps. Dutchman Max Verstappen claimed his second victory of the season for Red Bull, making five pit-stops on the way, to finish ahead of Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari and Daniil Kvyat of Toro Rosso. In pics: Major takeaways from epic, rain-lashed and wildly-spectacular German GP Defending five-time champion Hamilton, who had been feeling poorly with a sore throat, finished 11th after two mistakes and six pit-stops while Bottas crashed out in the closing laps. It was the team's 200th Formula One race start as a constructor, another cause for their celebrations in advance at their home race where their parent company was the event's main sponsor. "Many drivers crashed," said Wolff. "Overall, for us, it was a bad day and, for the drivers, it was a bad day, it cannot go much worse. "This shows that you shouldn't fool around with the staff. You should concentrate on the job. We are not superstitious, but we believe in karma and it's a day to learn." He added: "I think we had a decent start with good pace. Then you had incidents, crashing out in tricky conditions, the wrong calls." Asked about Hamilton's crash and pit-stop, he said: "It was unfortunate, crashing right at the entry of the pit lane. You are not prepared. We made the wrong calls afterwards -- it was all coming together. "Many others made the same mistake. Leclerc crashed and many others crashed." Hamilton finished outside the points for the first time in 23 outings for Mercedes. He said: "It was my worst day in the office for a long, long time. You live and you learn. I don't know what happened today, but I'm glad its over and there are more races ahead so we can focus on regrouping and coming back strong." He accepted his share of the blame for the team’s worst result since Hamilton and Nico Rosberg collided on the first lap of the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, when Verstappen won on his debut with Red Bull. "Me hitting the wall not helpful and them putting on the slick tyres not helpful either," he said.

'It was karma': Mercedes boss rages after German GP flop

<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's Mercedes team revealed a special "retro" half-white livery for their cars being used to celebrate 125 years of motorsport at this weekend's German Grand Prix.

The cars to be raced by five-time world champion Hamilton and his team-mate Valtteri Bottas feature both white paintwork and silver, merging both in a "commemorative livery" for the event, which is sponsored by the team's parent company.

Sunday's race will also mark the team's 200th start as a manufacturer entrant in the world championship.

The front end of the W10 cars has been re-worked as a tribute to Mercedes' original colours and includes not only the white paintwork but also red numbers and old-fashioned logos.&nbsp;

The rear remains predominantly silver, the colour for which the team became famous as the 'silver arrows'.

Team boss Toto Wolff said,&nbsp;"The world's first car race was held from Paris to Rouen in 1894 and the winning machine had at its heart an engine manufactured to the design of Gottlieb Daimler.

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A special celebration deserves a special look... ❤ This is the story behind our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GermanGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GermanGP</a> livery! 👇 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Motorsport125?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Motorsport125</a> <a href="https://t.co/Yt0st2Otd2">pic.twitter.com/Yt0st2Otd2</a>
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) <a href="https://twitter.com/MercedesAMGF1/status/1154667836171857920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"It was the start of a great motorsport tradition that continues to this day and we are incredibly proud to write the next chapter in this legacy."

His modern Mercedes team dominate Formula One and lead the constructors championship with 164 points ahead of Ferrari while Hamilton is 39 ahead of Bottas in the drivers title race.

According to Mercedes, the team started with white paintwork on their cars, but it had to be removed during a race meeting in 1943, to help the cars save weight.

In an official explanation, the team said the W25 car entered for the Eifelrennen at the Nurburgring held on June 3 was found to be over the weight limit of 750 kg.

"Allegedly, the team was able to bring the weight down to within regulatory limits by scraping off its white paint," said Mercedes.&nbsp;

"Without the white paint, the metal bodywork of the car was exposed, giving it a silver look: the first Silver Arrow was born."

Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes team revealed a special "retro" half-white livery for their cars being used to celebrate 125 years of motorsport at this weekend's German Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes team revealed a special "retro" half-white livery for their cars being used to celebrate 125 years of motorsport at this weekend's German Grand Prix. The cars to be raced by five-time world champion Hamilton and his team-mate Valtteri Bottas feature both white paintwork and silver, merging both in a "commemorative livery" for the event, which is sponsored by the team's parent company. Sunday's race will also mark the team's 200th start as a manufacturer entrant in the world championship. The front end of the W10 cars has been re-worked as a tribute to Mercedes' original colours and includes not only the white paintwork but also red numbers and old-fashioned logos. The rear remains predominantly silver, the colour for which the team became famous as the 'silver arrows'. Team boss Toto Wolff said, "The world's first car race was held from Paris to Rouen in 1894 and the winning machine had at its heart an engine manufactured to the design of Gottlieb Daimler. A special celebration deserves a special look... ❤ This is the story behind our #GermanGP livery! 👇 #Motorsport125 pic.twitter.com/Yt0st2Otd2 — Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) July 26, 2019 × "It was the start of a great motorsport tradition that continues to this day and we are incredibly proud to write the next chapter in this legacy." His modern Mercedes team dominate Formula One and lead the constructors championship with 164 points ahead of Ferrari while Hamilton is 39 ahead of Bottas in the drivers title race. According to Mercedes, the team started with white paintwork on their cars, but it had to be removed during a race meeting in 1943, to help the cars save weight. In an official explanation, the team said the W25 car entered for the Eifelrennen at the Nurburgring held on June 3 was found to be over the weight limit of 750 kg. "Allegedly, the team was able to bring the weight down to within regulatory limits by scraping off its white paint," said Mercedes. "Without the white paint, the metal bodywork of the car was exposed, giving it a silver look: the first Silver Arrow was born."

Here's why Mercedes are painted different for German Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton said the home crowd gave him the "energy" to help him claim a record sixth <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-wins-record-sixth-british-gp-extends-f1-lead-235888">British Grand Prix victory</a> ahead of his Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas.

The five-time world champion and current series leader made the most of a favourable and fortunate safety car intervention to record his 80th career victory in a thrilling and incident-filled race.

"This is the home of motor racing and these fans really give so much energy," he said.

"I couldn't have won this race without all these guys, their understanding and support, or without my team."

Hamilton smiled as he said he had little sympathy for his team-mate Bottas who was unable to translate pole position and an early lead into victory due to the timing of the safety car, after he had made the first of his two scheduled pit stops.

"It's motor racing," said Hamilton, who conceded his rival, now 39 points behind him in the title race, had been unlucky while he had been gifted a 'free' pit stop.

"That's what happens," he added.

Hamilton, who celebrated with his fans in a capacity sell-out 141,000 crowd, also said he ignored team orders to pit in the closing laps.

"I guess I had a pit stop window, but there's the entry to the pit-lane, the stop, the extra pressure on the engineers. Not that I doubt them, not at all," he said.

"I was like 'should I stop?' There were seven laps left and it's hard to catch a 21-second gap. So I decided, on the day, that was the best thing for me."

As if to show his belief in the tyres, he was able to record the race's fastest lap to claim an extra point.

'Belief in own ability'

Hamilton has now won the British event six times, one more than compatriot Jim Clark and Frenchman Alain Prost.

"It's something I could never have dreamed of," he said.

"When I was eight years old, I didn't know what it was like to have money and fame. I always believed in my own ability and I want people to hold on to that."

Hamilton's victory was his seventh in ten races this year, but Bottas said it did not stop him believing he can overhaul him for the title.

"I don't know what to say, congrats to Lewis, he got a free stop and got past me there," said the Finn.

"Not really my day, but the pace was good. There are positives from yesterday, in qualifying, as I was quickest on track. I'll keep fighting this season, it's not over yet."

Charles Leclerc, who finished third, said the race was his most enjoyable since he entered Formula One last year.

"That was definitely the most fun I've ever had in my Formula One career," said Leclerc.

"I think every driver wants to race hard and we did during most of the race. It was very, very fun, always border-line, but, I think, within the rules and very enjoyable."

Lewis Hamilton said the home crowd gave him the "energy" to help him claim a record sixth British Grand Prix victory ahead of his Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas.

Lewis Hamilton said the home crowd gave him the "energy" to help him claim a record sixth British Grand Prix victory ahead of his Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas. The five-time world champion and current series leader made the most of a favourable and fortunate safety car intervention to record his 80th career victory in a thrilling and incident-filled race. "This is the home of motor racing and these fans really give so much energy," he said. "I couldn't have won this race without all these guys, their understanding and support, or without my team." Hamilton smiled as he said he had little sympathy for his team-mate Bottas who was unable to translate pole position and an early lead into victory due to the timing of the safety car, after he had made the first of his two scheduled pit stops. "It's motor racing," said Hamilton, who conceded his rival, now 39 points behind him in the title race, had been unlucky while he had been gifted a 'free' pit stop. "That's what happens," he added. Hamilton, who celebrated with his fans in a capacity sell-out 141,000 crowd, also said he ignored team orders to pit in the closing laps. "I guess I had a pit stop window, but there's the entry to the pit-lane, the stop, the extra pressure on the engineers. Not that I doubt them, not at all," he said. "I was like 'should I stop?' There were seven laps left and it's hard to catch a 21-second gap. So I decided, on the day, that was the best thing for me." As if to show his belief in the tyres, he was able to record the race's fastest lap to claim an extra point. 'Belief in own ability' Hamilton has now won the British event six times, one more than compatriot Jim Clark and Frenchman Alain Prost. "It's something I could never have dreamed of," he said. "When I was eight years old, I didn't know what it was like to have money and fame. I always believed in my own ability and I want people to hold on to that." Hamilton's victory was his seventh in ten races this year, but Bottas said it did not stop him believing he can overhaul him for the title. "I don't know what to say, congrats to Lewis, he got a free stop and got past me there," said the Finn. "Not really my day, but the pace was good. There are positives from yesterday, in qualifying, as I was quickest on track. I'll keep fighting this season, it's not over yet." Charles Leclerc, who finished third, said the race was his most enjoyable since he entered Formula One last year. "That was definitely the most fun I've ever had in my Formula One career," said Leclerc. "I think every driver wants to race hard and we did during most of the race. It was very, very fun, always border-line, but, I think, within the rules and very enjoyable."

Lewis Hamilton says British crowd gave him 'energy' for record win

Sebastian Vettel apologised to Max Verstappen immediately after Sunday's<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-wins-record-sixth-british-gp-extends-f1-lead-235888"> British Grand Prix</a>, acknowledging that he had ruined his rival's hopes of claiming a podium finish.

Ferrari driver Vettel drove into the back of Verstappen's Red Bull after the Dutchman had passed him. Both cars spun off into the gravel before rejoining the race.

"Well, it was my mistake," said Vettel, who climbed out of his car at the end of the race and went to speak to Verstappen. He leaned into the Red Bull car's cockpit, shook hands and apologised.

"Obviously, he passed me and then ran a bit wide, which gave me the chance to come back," said Vettel.

"Then, it looked for a second that he was going to the right and there would be a gap to the left, which didn't open -- and by that time it was too late and I crashed."

Vettel had to pit for a new nose for his Ferrari car while Verstappen re-joined the fray and finished fifth, missing out on a possible podium finish.

Vettel was given a 10-seconds penalty and two penalty points by the stewards for the crash on lap 37 of the 52-laps race.

"I spoke to him, he apologised immediately after he got out of the car, so that's it," said the Dutchman. "You can't change your line."

He added that he had also enjoyed his earlier battle with Vettel's Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc.

"They were really good," he said. "I think he was a little bit sore from Austria so he was defending really hard.

"But it's fine. I'm all for that. Of course, I didn't want to take much risk in those battles to damage the car because I knew we were quite a bit faster.&nbsp;

"I needed to pick my moment, but luckily the team did it for me with a good strategy and then it was looking good for a good result."&nbsp;

Sebastian Vettel apologised to Max Verstappen immediately after Sunday's British Grand Prix, acknowledging that he had ruined his rival's hopes of claiming a podium finish.

Sebastian Vettel apologised to Max Verstappen immediately after Sunday's British Grand Prix, acknowledging that he had ruined his rival's hopes of claiming a podium finish. Ferrari driver Vettel drove into the back of Verstappen's Red Bull after the Dutchman had passed him. Both cars spun off into the gravel before rejoining the race. "Well, it was my mistake," said Vettel, who climbed out of his car at the end of the race and went to speak to Verstappen. He leaned into the Red Bull car's cockpit, shook hands and apologised. "Obviously, he passed me and then ran a bit wide, which gave me the chance to come back," said Vettel. "Then, it looked for a second that he was going to the right and there would be a gap to the left, which didn't open -- and by that time it was too late and I crashed." Vettel had to pit for a new nose for his Ferrari car while Verstappen re-joined the fray and finished fifth, missing out on a possible podium finish. Vettel was given a 10-seconds penalty and two penalty points by the stewards for the crash on lap 37 of the 52-laps race. "I spoke to him, he apologised immediately after he got out of the car, so that's it," said the Dutchman. "You can't change your line." He added that he had also enjoyed his earlier battle with Vettel's Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc. "They were really good," he said. "I think he was a little bit sore from Austria so he was defending really hard. "But it's fine. I'm all for that. Of course, I didn't want to take much risk in those battles to damage the car because I knew we were quite a bit faster. "I needed to pick my moment, but luckily the team did it for me with a good strategy and then it was looking good for a good result."

Sebastian Vettel apologises to Max Verstappen, admits mistake

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

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, who is bidding to win at home British Grand Prix for a record sixth time, reacted on this growing fan following on the social media.&nbsp;

The Briton has around&nbsp;5.54 million followers on Twitter and has over 11 million followers on Instagram, currently.&nbsp;

"I am grateful for the ones the people that do support me and it's really heartwarming to see the support that I have every year and to see that grow," said Hamilton.&nbsp;

Hamilton is aiming to bounce back from a rare weekend of disappointment by winning his home British GP&nbsp;for a record sixth time this weekend.&nbsp;At Austrian GP, he had finished&nbsp;fifth two weeks ago.&nbsp;

"You know, I look at my social media every week and I don't understand why it's grown the way it is," said Hamilton.&nbsp;

"Why in one day….I woke up this morning and overnight 5,000 people followed me. I'm like why did they follow me, 5,000 people decided to follow me last night," he added.&nbsp;

If he wins the British GP,&nbsp;Hamilton&nbsp;will move clear of fellow Briton Jim Clark and Frenchman Alain Prost, with whom he shares the current record of five wins.

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, who is bidding to win at home British Grand Prix for a record sixth time, reacted on this growing fan following on the social media.

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, who is bidding to win at home British Grand Prix for a record sixth time, reacted on this growing fan following on the social media. The Briton has around 5.54 million followers on Twitter and has over 11 million followers on Instagram, currently. "I am grateful for the ones the people that do support me and it's really heartwarming to see the support that I have every year and to see that grow," said Hamilton. Hamilton is aiming to bounce back from a rare weekend of disappointment by winning his home British GP for a record sixth time this weekend. At Austrian GP, he had finished fifth two weeks ago. "You know, I look at my social media every week and I don't understand why it's grown the way it is," said Hamilton. "Why in one day….I woke up this morning and overnight 5,000 people followed me. I'm like why did they follow me, 5,000 people decided to follow me last night," he added. If he wins the British GP, Hamilton will move clear of fellow Briton Jim Clark and Frenchman Alain Prost, with whom he shares the current record of five wins.

Lewis Hamilton reacts on his mass social media following

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-wins-french-grand-prix-in-mercedes-one-two-229814&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiThcSUnKzjAhUC4nMBHfmPCy8QFjABegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1nBAPq6srnHbVBMVKo54Zk">Lewis Hamilton</a> is aiming to bounce back from a rare weekend of disappointment by winning his home British Grand Prix for a record sixth time this weekend - and in front of the biggest crowd at the historic Silverstone circuit in nearly three decades.

After suffering in the heat and rarefied atmosphere of Austria's Styrian Alps, where he finished a hot-and-bothered fifth two weeks ago, the defending world champion and his Mercedes team are expected to revel in the gentler undulations and a wider mix of corners in cooler conditions in central England.

A sixth victory overall and fifth in six years at a track he loves would also be his seventh in 10 races this year and extend his 31-point lead ahead of team-mate Valtteri Bottas in the drivers' championship.

"This is the race that has become the most anticipated event of the season for me and it is the weekend I always enjoy the most," said <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-takes-controversial-win-in-canada-after-sebastian-vettel-penalty-225869&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiThcSUnKzjAhUC4nMBHfmPCy8QFjAFegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0u-wCheGpvD5b5CE4MN42Z">Hamilton</a>, who was quick to celebrate Wednesday's confirmation of a new five-year contract that will keep the British Grand Prix on the Formula One calendar until 2024.

"Having the support of your country concentrated into one weekend really makes for the most incredible few days. It is difficult to count what you gain from all that positivity - everyone's energy is priceless," he said.

If he wins, Hamilton will move clear of fellow Briton Jim Clark and Frenchman Alain Prost, with whom he shares the current record of five wins.

After suffering their first defeat after an unprecedented run of eight victories, Mercedes are keen to restore their supremacy in the team's home event - both the car and engine factories are based close to Silverstone.

Mercedes 'in good shape'&nbsp; 
 
"The high temperatures in Austria exposed our vulnerability and meant we could not challenge to win," said team boss Toto Wolff.

"But, fortunately, the English summer is known for more moderate temperatures so cooling should not be such a major issue.''

"We've had some of our best performances this year on tracks with a wide range of corner speeds so, on paper, we should be in relatively good form," Wolff said.

His Ferrari counterpart Mattia Binotto played down their chances of a repeat of Sebastian Vettel's triumph last year, despite their stronger showing in Austria where Charles Leclerc finished second from the pole behind the triumphant Max Verstappen of Red Bull.

Four-time world champion Vettel has gone 17 races since last August without a win and lies 76 points adrift of Hamilton in the title race.

Victory in Austria lifted Verstappen ahead of the German and he and Red Bull, based at nearby Milton Keynes, with big local home support, may also be a major threat to Hamilton's home-coming dream after flying in from Los Angeles.

"Max has been the best in the world, arguably, over the last 12 months," said his team boss Christian Horner. "He is the coming man. This sport is crying out for more drivers like Max."

Beyond the top three teams, McLaren will seek to make an impression notably after confirming an unchanged driver line-up, including British rookie Lando Norris, 19, for next year.

Silverstone officials believe the allure of the drivers and an encouraging weather forecast will result in the biggest attendance since the days of 'Mansell-mania' in the early 1990s.

Last year's race-day crowd of 140,500 was the biggest of the season and Silverstone boss Stuart Pringle said he expects that to be beaten.

"This is going to be the largest since Mansell brought people here in their droves in 1992," he said.

The Silverstone circuit, once a wartime airfield, hosted the first World Championship <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-wins-monaco-grand-prix-in-the-spirit-of-lauda-221832&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiThcSUnKzjAhUC4nMBHfmPCy8QFjAGegQIBRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3hdcFGoNLNlu4YT1nvQt-h">Grand Prix</a> in 1950 and, along with Italy, has been an ever-present since.

The Italian race at Monza in September is expected to be re-confirmed for the future while events in Vietnam and the Netherlands are set to be part of a refreshed 21-race calendar in 2020.

Lewis Hamilton is aiming to bounce back from a rare weekend of disappointment by winning his home British Grand Prix for a record sixth time this weekend - and in front of the biggest crowd at the historic Silverstone circuit in nearly three decades.

Lewis Hamilton is aiming to bounce back from a rare weekend of disappointment by winning his home British Grand Prix for a record sixth time this weekend - and in front of the biggest crowd at the historic Silverstone circuit in nearly three decades. After suffering in the heat and rarefied atmosphere of Austria's Styrian Alps, where he finished a hot-and-bothered fifth two weeks ago, the defending world champion and his Mercedes team are expected to revel in the gentler undulations and a wider mix of corners in cooler conditions in central England. A sixth victory overall and fifth in six years at a track he loves would also be his seventh in 10 races this year and extend his 31-point lead ahead of team-mate Valtteri Bottas in the drivers' championship. "This is the race that has become the most anticipated event of the season for me and it is the weekend I always enjoy the most," said Hamilton, who was quick to celebrate Wednesday's confirmation of a new five-year contract that will keep the British Grand Prix on the Formula One calendar until 2024. "Having the support of your country concentrated into one weekend really makes for the most incredible few days. It is difficult to count what you gain from all that positivity - everyone's energy is priceless," he said. If he wins, Hamilton will move clear of fellow Briton Jim Clark and Frenchman Alain Prost, with whom he shares the current record of five wins. After suffering their first defeat after an unprecedented run of eight victories, Mercedes are keen to restore their supremacy in the team's home event - both the car and engine factories are based close to Silverstone. Mercedes 'in good shape' "The high temperatures in Austria exposed our vulnerability and meant we could not challenge to win," said team boss Toto Wolff. "But, fortunately, the English summer is known for more moderate temperatures so cooling should not be such a major issue.'' "We've had some of our best performances this year on tracks with a wide range of corner speeds so, on paper, we should be in relatively good form," Wolff said. His Ferrari counterpart Mattia Binotto played down their chances of a repeat of Sebastian Vettel's triumph last year, despite their stronger showing in Austria where Charles Leclerc finished second from the pole behind the triumphant Max Verstappen of Red Bull. Four-time world champion Vettel has gone 17 races since last August without a win and lies 76 points adrift of Hamilton in the title race. Victory in Austria lifted Verstappen ahead of the German and he and Red Bull, based at nearby Milton Keynes, with big local home support, may also be a major threat to Hamilton's home-coming dream after flying in from Los Angeles. "Max has been the best in the world, arguably, over the last 12 months," said his team boss Christian Horner. "He is the coming man. This sport is crying out for more drivers like Max." Beyond the top three teams, McLaren will seek to make an impression notably after confirming an unchanged driver line-up, including British rookie Lando Norris, 19, for next year. Silverstone officials believe the allure of the drivers and an encouraging weather forecast will result in the biggest attendance since the days of 'Mansell-mania' in the early 1990s. Last year's race-day crowd of 140,500 was the biggest of the season and Silverstone boss Stuart Pringle said he expects that to be beaten. "This is going to be the largest since Mansell brought people here in their droves in 1992," he said. The Silverstone circuit, once a wartime airfield, hosted the first World Championship Grand Prix in 1950 and, along with Italy, has been an ever-present since. The Italian race at Monza in September is expected to be re-confirmed for the future while events in Vietnam and the Netherlands are set to be part of a refreshed 21-race calendar in 2020.

Lewis Hamilton aims to bounce back with record sixth win at British Grand Prix

Formula One champions Mercedes say they are working hard to improve their cars' cooling systems for future races after struggling with overheating at the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/motor-racing-valtteri-bottas-wins-australian-grand-prix-for-mercedes-203820&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLsOy0hpvjAhVO-2EKHctHDQsQFjAJegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw32Sx5-pT8tIWNAa6UGsZ8L">Austrian Grand Prix</a> at the weekend.

Trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin explained in a team post-race debrief on Wednesday that the 2019 car is so tightly packaged that the radiators are too small to provide sufficient cooling in extreme conditions.

"We’ve got a lot of projects looking at this particular issue with the cooling, how we can improve that," he said.

"And that work started well before the race weekend in Austria and there’s a lot of people here busy with that. And we will get on top of that and make progress,"&nbsp;Shovlin said.

Sunday's race at Spielberg ended dominant Mercedes's run of 10 wins in a row, and eight out of eight this season.

Finland's Valtteri Bottas finished a distant third on a hot afternoon, with championship leader Lewis Hamilton fifth in a race won by Red Bull's Max Verstappen ahead of<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/its-quite-difficult-to-be-at-mercedes-level-says-ferraris-charles-leclerc-ahead-of-austrian-grand-prix-231066&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLsOy0hpvjAhVO-2EKHctHDQsQFjAIegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3U8feXjuBIMXiBnlDWygkT"> Ferrari's Charles Leclerc</a>.

"It all really goes down to the fundamental design of the car, wherein the push for very, very tight packaging, we have ended up being undercooled overall," said Shovlin.

"Fundamentally the car doesn’t have big enough radiators. It’s meant that we are carrying this issue wherein the very hot races we will be struggling... to keep the power unit cool enough that we don’t do any damage to it,"&nbsp;Shovlin said.

Shovlin explained that opening up the bodywork improved matters but the temperature in Austria was 35 degrees Celsius, at the upper end of what could be achieved by that simple expedient.

"We were on the limit. When you get to that point you are really limited in your options. You can start to use lift and coast, which is where the drivers get towards the end of the straight and they back off the throttle," he said.

"They then brake a bit later and you have a period where the car is just coasting into the corner, the engine is not doing work and you can lose a fair bit of temperature like that,"&nbsp;Shovlin said.

The combination of having to lift and coast for some 400 metres of a 4.3-km lap, one of the shortest on the calendar, and turning down the engine meant performance was seriously compromised.

"It was (a tough afternoon). We had to manage lots of temperatures and we didn’t really run any of the good engine modes and (did) big amounts of lift and coast," Bottas said afterwards. So we couldn’t really race properly, attack or defend. It felt a bit like a survival game in the end to the flag," said&nbsp;Shovlin.

Formula One champions Mercedes say they are working hard to improve their cars' cooling systems for future races after struggling with overheating at the Austrian Grand Prix at the weekend.

Formula One champions Mercedes say they are working hard to improve their cars' cooling systems for future races after struggling with overheating at the Austrian Grand Prix at the weekend. Trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin explained in a team post-race debrief on Wednesday that the 2019 car is so tightly packaged that the radiators are too small to provide sufficient cooling in extreme conditions. "We’ve got a lot of projects looking at this particular issue with the cooling, how we can improve that," he said. "And that work started well before the race weekend in Austria and there’s a lot of people here busy with that. And we will get on top of that and make progress," Shovlin said. Sunday's race at Spielberg ended dominant Mercedes's run of 10 wins in a row, and eight out of eight this season. Finland's Valtteri Bottas finished a distant third on a hot afternoon, with championship leader Lewis Hamilton fifth in a race won by Red Bull's Max Verstappen ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc. "It all really goes down to the fundamental design of the car, wherein the push for very, very tight packaging, we have ended up being undercooled overall," said Shovlin. "Fundamentally the car doesn’t have big enough radiators. It’s meant that we are carrying this issue wherein the very hot races we will be struggling... to keep the power unit cool enough that we don’t do any damage to it," Shovlin said. Shovlin explained that opening up the bodywork improved matters but the temperature in Austria was 35 degrees Celsius, at the upper end of what could be achieved by that simple expedient. "We were on the limit. When you get to that point you are really limited in your options. You can start to use lift and coast, which is where the drivers get towards the end of the straight and they back off the throttle," he said. "They then brake a bit later and you have a period where the car is just coasting into the corner, the engine is not doing work and you can lose a fair bit of temperature like that," Shovlin said. The combination of having to lift and coast for some 400 metres of a 4.3-km lap, one of the shortest on the calendar, and turning down the engine meant performance was seriously compromised. "It was (a tough afternoon). We had to manage lots of temperatures and we didn’t really run any of the good engine modes and (did) big amounts of lift and coast," Bottas said afterwards. So we couldn’t really race properly, attack or defend. It felt a bit like a survival game in the end to the flag," said Shovlin.

Mercedes working on cooling systems in their cars after feeling the heat in Austria

Charles Leclerc refused to fuel any false optimism at the Austrian Grand Prix on Thursday and said Ferrari faced another hard weekend with dominant rivals <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-wins-french-grand-prix-in-mercedes-one-two-229814&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjlmoXau4vjAhVMwI8KHQfODdoQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Pa2ssOM4Bb3ut_ksXy2qg">Mercedes </a>chasing an 11th win in a row.

Formula One's oldest and most successful team arrived at the scenic Spielberg track 140 points adrift of the champions, who have won all eight races this year with Lewis Hamilton and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/french-grand-prix-valtteri-bottas-outpaces-lewis-hamilton-mercedes-rule-in-final-practice-229529&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjlmoXau4vjAhVMwI8KHQfODdoQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0OJ9R3pWBg-IyWqQiycx4x">Valtteri Bottas</a>.

Leclerc, in his first season with Ferrari, finished third and best of the rest in last Sunday's French Grand Prix.

"I think at the moment it's quite difficult. They seem very, very quick," said the 21-year-old Monegasque when asked whether Ferrari could give Mercedes a tougher time at the Red Bull Ring.

"They were extremely quick in Paul Ricard, especially in the race pace, so I think we are focusing on ourselves and trying to do the best job possible. But, to be honest, it's quite difficult to be at their level," Leclerc said.

Leclerc is still chasing his first career win, coming close in the second race of the year in Bahrain when he led from pole only to suffer engine problems.

The youngster has been on the podium three times and sounded more hopeful after Sunday's race, in which he had chased down Bottas to finish 0.929 behind the Finn.

"I think he was struggling quite a bit on the second set of tyres with some blistering. We weren't. I think we managed quite well our race so it shows that still everything is possible but it's just very difficult," he said.

"If they don't run into issues, it's a struggle for us to challenge them. So we are just trying to do the best in our races every time. On my personal side, it was good to have a good weekend after a few where I've been struggling a bit more," Leclerc said.

Also on the plus side, Leclerc said Austria was one of his favourite circuits with a short lap that reminded him of his days in go-karts.

"I just enjoy driving here," he said.

Asked about the championship, Leclerc said <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/sebastian-vettel-still-has-what-it-takes-at-ferrari-says-mark-webber-230801&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjm-tP3u4vjAhWHpo8KHQAIAdcQFjAAegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3RAdx1sQAqxNfpem9XRTIQ">Ferrari </a>would not give up until it was mathematically impossible to overhaul Mercedes.

Charles Leclerc refused to fuel any false optimism at the Austrian Grand Prix on Thursday and said Ferrari faced another hard weekend with dominant rivals Mercedes chasing an 11th win in a row.

Charles Leclerc refused to fuel any false optimism at the Austrian Grand Prix on Thursday and said Ferrari faced another hard weekend with dominant rivals Mercedes chasing an 11th win in a row. Formula One's oldest and most successful team arrived at the scenic Spielberg track 140 points adrift of the champions, who have won all eight races this year with Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas. Leclerc, in his first season with Ferrari, finished third and best of the rest in last Sunday's French Grand Prix. "I think at the moment it's quite difficult. They seem very, very quick," said the 21-year-old Monegasque when asked whether Ferrari could give Mercedes a tougher time at the Red Bull Ring. "They were extremely quick in Paul Ricard, especially in the race pace, so I think we are focusing on ourselves and trying to do the best job possible. But, to be honest, it's quite difficult to be at their level," Leclerc said. Leclerc is still chasing his first career win, coming close in the second race of the year in Bahrain when he led from pole only to suffer engine problems. The youngster has been on the podium three times and sounded more hopeful after Sunday's race, in which he had chased down Bottas to finish 0.929 behind the Finn. "I think he was struggling quite a bit on the second set of tyres with some blistering. We weren't. I think we managed quite well our race so it shows that still everything is possible but it's just very difficult," he said. "If they don't run into issues, it's a struggle for us to challenge them. So we are just trying to do the best in our races every time. On my personal side, it was good to have a good weekend after a few where I've been struggling a bit more," Leclerc said. Also on the plus side, Leclerc said Austria was one of his favourite circuits with a short lap that reminded him of his days in go-karts. "I just enjoy driving here," he said. Asked about the championship, Leclerc said Ferrari would not give up until it was mathematically impossible to overhaul Mercedes.

'It's quite difficult to be at Mercedes' level', says Ferrari's Charles Leclerc ahead of Austrian Grand Prix

Sebastian Vettel took the Formula One lead from Lewis Hamilton at last year's Austrian Grand Prix but the Ferrari driver has now fallen so far behind there can be no repeat at Spielberg this weekend.

After eight races, Ferrari's German lags his Mercedes rival by 76 points and cannot catch up until August, even if <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-takes-controversial-win-in-canada-after-sebastian-vettel-penalty-225869&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjWg4qXl4njAhUPUN4KHTJsCSEQFjADegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0rvE6UNqpmzUCXgcOd2HXv">Hamilton </a>had three retirements in a row -- unlikely for a man with only one since 2016.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/ferrari-plan-appeal-after-sebastian-vettel-second-place-canada-furore-226060&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjWg4qXl4njAhUPUN4KHTJsCSEQFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2n4KwJF91EpL0BX_d4cHa3">Vettel</a>, who won all four of his world championships with Red Bull, has gone 16 races without a victory and made some costly errors, while Hamilton has won 14 of the last 20.

Questions have increasingly been asked about Vettel's performance under pressure while Hamilton speeds towards a sixth championship.

Australian Mark Webber, now-retired former Red Bull teammate, feels Vettel still has what it takes but needs better support and more ammunition from the oldest and most glamorous team.

"I think he needs a couple more lieutenants, he needs to have less responsibility in the team and just more reassurance that the Monday to Friday stuff is going to be dealt with," he told Reuters.

"Seb’s still has got it, but it’s a real challenge to stay ahead against a <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-wins-french-grand-prix-in-mercedes-one-two-229814&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjOt-PGl4njAhWIYysKHduoDYgQFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3S5-99uIdLXt5MPirOGswY">Mercedes-Lewis Hamilton</a> factor week in and week out,"&nbsp;Webber said.

Vettel is third overall, and best of the rest behind the Mercedes drivers, with teammate Charles Leclerc fifth and 24 points further adrift.

Formula One's most successful team have not won any title since 2008.

"I don't find the challenge now different to last year or the years before. We are in a better place than maybe 2015 and 2016 so I think 2017 and '18 have been a clear step in the right direction," Vettel said in France last Sunday.

"It's true that last year at this point we were more competitive but it is what it is now...what is important is to look back at these races and understand what we need to do better. I love racing, nothing has changed about that,"&nbsp;Vettel said.

TALK OF TESTING

This year's car was the talk of pre-season testing with its straight-line pace in Barcelona but is losing time overall to Mercedes through the corners. Correcting the problems will take time.

Ferrari should still have won in Bahrain but an engine problem thwarted <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-praises-ferraris-charles-leclerc-and-hopes-for-great-future-battles-207238&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjOt-PGl4njAhWIYysKHduoDYgQFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2K0OzYc1vGZf0yf_mQVuAx">Leclerc </a>while leading from pole.

In Canada, Vettel also led from pole but ended up a controversial second after a time penalty for going off and rejoining in an unsafe fashion.

The German has been wearing the red overalls since 2015, dreaming of emulating great compatriot and idol Michael Schumacher, but the magic is wearing thin even as Leclerc's popularity grows.

The scrutiny, as ever, is intense and unsparing.

"Red Bull is like a Formula Three team compared to Ferrari. With Ferrari, there’s an article every day in the Gazzetta Dello Sport. It’s a religion there and being a driver is not easy," said Webber.

"If you look at when Ferrari executed the best, we go back to when it was Ross (Brawn) and Jean (Todt)," he said, referring to the golden years at the start of the century when Ferrari won six successive constructors' titles under foreign bosses. They had a big mix of culture and I think that's still a bit of a missing link,"&nbsp;Webber said.

So too is qualifying and single lap pace, with Vettel dangerous when starting off the front row but more vulnerable further back.

"Lewis is going to win the championship and Mercedes are going to win the constructors’ (title), it’s obvious. Mercedes are just too strong," said Webber.

"Ferrari just have not got enough bullets. It’s like a football team, Mercedes just keep getting a result. Ferrari need everything to line up,"&nbsp;Webber added.

Sebastian Vettel took the Formula One lead from Lewis Hamilton at last year's Austrian Grand Prix but the Ferrari driver has now fallen so far behind there can be no repeat at Spielberg this weekend.

Sebastian Vettel took the Formula One lead from Lewis Hamilton at last year's Austrian Grand Prix but the Ferrari driver has now fallen so far behind there can be no repeat at Spielberg this weekend. After eight races, Ferrari's German lags his Mercedes rival by 76 points and cannot catch up until August, even if Hamilton had three retirements in a row -- unlikely for a man with only one since 2016. Vettel, who won all four of his world championships with Red Bull, has gone 16 races without a victory and made some costly errors, while Hamilton has won 14 of the last 20. Questions have increasingly been asked about Vettel's performance under pressure while Hamilton speeds towards a sixth championship. Australian Mark Webber, now-retired former Red Bull teammate, feels Vettel still has what it takes but needs better support and more ammunition from the oldest and most glamorous team. "I think he needs a couple more lieutenants, he needs to have less responsibility in the team and just more reassurance that the Monday to Friday stuff is going to be dealt with," he told Reuters. "Seb’s still has got it, but it’s a real challenge to stay ahead against a Mercedes-Lewis Hamilton factor week in and week out," Webber said. Vettel is third overall, and best of the rest behind the Mercedes drivers, with teammate Charles Leclerc fifth and 24 points further adrift. Formula One's most successful team have not won any title since 2008. "I don't find the challenge now different to last year or the years before. We are in a better place than maybe 2015 and 2016 so I think 2017 and '18 have been a clear step in the right direction," Vettel said in France last Sunday. "It's true that last year at this point we were more competitive but it is what it is now...what is important is to look back at these races and understand what we need to do better. I love racing, nothing has changed about that," Vettel said. TALK OF TESTING This year's car was the talk of pre-season testing with its straight-line pace in Barcelona but is losing time overall to Mercedes through the corners. Correcting the problems will take time. Ferrari should still have won in Bahrain but an engine problem thwarted Leclerc while leading from pole. In Canada, Vettel also led from pole but ended up a controversial second after a time penalty for going off and rejoining in an unsafe fashion. The German has been wearing the red overalls since 2015, dreaming of emulating great compatriot and idol Michael Schumacher, but the magic is wearing thin even as Leclerc's popularity grows. The scrutiny, as ever, is intense and unsparing. "Red Bull is like a Formula Three team compared to Ferrari. With Ferrari, there’s an article every day in the Gazzetta Dello Sport. It’s a religion there and being a driver is not easy," said Webber. "If you look at when Ferrari executed the best, we go back to when it was Ross (Brawn) and Jean (Todt)," he said, referring to the golden years at the start of the century when Ferrari won six successive constructors' titles under foreign bosses. They had a big mix of culture and I think that's still a bit of a missing link," Webber said. So too is qualifying and single lap pace, with Vettel dangerous when starting off the front row but more vulnerable further back. "Lewis is going to win the championship and Mercedes are going to win the constructors’ (title), it’s obvious. Mercedes are just too strong," said Webber. "Ferrari just have not got enough bullets. It’s like a football team, Mercedes just keep getting a result. Ferrari need everything to line up," Webber added.

Sebastian Vettel still has what it takes at Ferrari, says Mark Webber

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

Valtteri Bottas outpaced Lewis Hamilton to top the times as Mercedes dominated again in final free practice for Sunday’s French Grand Prix.

The Finn, who lies 29 points adrift of the defending five times world champion in this year’s title race, clocked a best lap in one minute and 30.159 seconds, beating Hamilton by four-hundredths of a second.

On another very hot day, with a gusty wind, at the Le Castellet track 25km from the Mediterranean in the south of France, Bottas picked up where he left off on Friday afternoon by continuing to set the pace on a circuit that clearly suits his style.

Monaco's Charles Leclerc, adopted as a Frenchman by local supporters, was third-fastest ahead of his Ferrari team-mate four-time champion Sebastian Vettel, still prickling after the team had lost in their bid to review and overturn his penalty, and lost victory, in Canada.

Max Verstappen was fifth for Red Bull ahead of team-mate Frenchman Pierre Gasly with British rookie Lando Norris an impressive seventh for the resurgent McLaren team.

Daniel Ricciardo was eighth in the leading Renault ahead of Carlos Sainz in the second McLaren and one-time champion Kimi Raikkonen of Alfa Romeo.

In a relatively incident-free session, the Williams team continued to struggle with George Russell being forced to trundle back to the pits with a power problem.

Valtteri Bottas outpaced Lewis Hamilton to top the times as Mercedes dominated again in final free practice for Sunday’s French Grand Prix. The Finn, who lies 29 points adrift of the defending five times world champion in this year’s title race, clocked a best lap in one minute and 30.

Valtteri Bottas outpaced Lewis Hamilton to top the times as Mercedes dominated again in final free practice for Sunday’s French Grand Prix. The Finn, who lies 29 points adrift of the defending five times world champion in this year’s title race, clocked a best lap in one minute and 30.159 seconds, beating Hamilton by four-hundredths of a second. On another very hot day, with a gusty wind, at the Le Castellet track 25km from the Mediterranean in the south of France, Bottas picked up where he left off on Friday afternoon by continuing to set the pace on a circuit that clearly suits his style. Monaco's Charles Leclerc, adopted as a Frenchman by local supporters, was third-fastest ahead of his Ferrari team-mate four-time champion Sebastian Vettel, still prickling after the team had lost in their bid to review and overturn his penalty, and lost victory, in Canada. Max Verstappen was fifth for Red Bull ahead of team-mate Frenchman Pierre Gasly with British rookie Lando Norris an impressive seventh for the resurgent McLaren team. Daniel Ricciardo was eighth in the leading Renault ahead of Carlos Sainz in the second McLaren and one-time champion Kimi Raikkonen of Alfa Romeo. In a relatively incident-free session, the Williams team continued to struggle with George Russell being forced to trundle back to the pits with a power problem.

French Grand Prix: Valtteri Bottas outpaces Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes rule in final practice

Formula One championship leader Lewis Hamilton set the pace in a Mercedes one-two in first free practice for the French Grand Prix on Friday with Ferrari's <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-praises-ferraris-charles-leclerc-and-hopes-for-great-future-battles-207238&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjqjLv5x_riAhVMpo8KHaVZAR0QFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3DqGKeaHE4jbbB4DsbaG2U">Charles Leclerc</a> the best of the rest.

Hamilton, who arrived at the circuit late on Thursday after attending a memorial for fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld in Paris, lapped the Le Castellet circuit in one minute 32.738 seconds.

Finnish teammate Valtteri Bottas was second, a mere 0.069 slower, with Leclerc 0.373 off Hamilton's time on a sunny and largely uneventful morning at the southern circuit.

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, who was on pole position in Canada two weeks ago but finished second in the race after a five-second time penalty that handed the win to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-wins-monaco-grand-prix-in-the-spirit-of-lauda-221832&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjqjLv5x_riAhVMpo8KHaVZAR0QFjABegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0DBehZbnKFQEZTCqYlbjz2">Hamilton</a>, was more than a second slower than the Briton.

Ferrari said they were assessing new parts during the session.

The Italian team have asked for a review of the Montreal decision, with the stewards meeting Ferrari's sporting director Laurent Mekies between the two practice sessions.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen was fourth on the timesheets, 0.880 slower than Hamilton, with his car benefiting from a Honda engine upgrade.

French driver Romain Grosjean missed much of the session, completing just nine laps, after a water leak to his Haas.

Mercedes are favourites to chalk up their 10th win in a row this weekend, and eighth of the season, at a track where Hamilton won from pole last year when the French Grand Prix returned after a decade's absence.

Five-times world champion <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/lewis-hamilton-snatches-dramatic-monaco-gp-pole-with-record-lap-221607&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjqjLv5x_riAhVMpo8KHaVZAR0QFjAEegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1hiWopdDkNqidBvr3RSdh6">Hamilton </a>leads Bottas by 29 points in the standings.

Formula One championship leader Lewis Hamilton set the pace in a Mercedes one-two in first free practice for the French Grand Prix on Friday with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc the best of the rest.

Formula One championship leader Lewis Hamilton set the pace in a Mercedes one-two in first free practice for the French Grand Prix on Friday with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc the best of the rest. Hamilton, who arrived at the circuit late on Thursday after attending a memorial for fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld in Paris, lapped the Le Castellet circuit in one minute 32.738 seconds. Finnish teammate Valtteri Bottas was second, a mere 0.069 slower, with Leclerc 0.373 off Hamilton's time on a sunny and largely uneventful morning at the southern circuit. Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, who was on pole position in Canada two weeks ago but finished second in the race after a five-second time penalty that handed the win to Hamilton, was more than a second slower than the Briton. Ferrari said they were assessing new parts during the session. The Italian team have asked for a review of the Montreal decision, with the stewards meeting Ferrari's sporting director Laurent Mekies between the two practice sessions. Red Bull's Max Verstappen was fourth on the timesheets, 0.880 slower than Hamilton, with his car benefiting from a Honda engine upgrade. French driver Romain Grosjean missed much of the session, completing just nine laps, after a water leak to his Haas. Mercedes are favourites to chalk up their 10th win in a row this weekend, and eighth of the season, at a track where Hamilton won from pole last year when the French Grand Prix returned after a decade's absence. Five-times world champion Hamilton leads Bottas by 29 points in the standings.

Lewis Hamilton fastest in first French Grand Prix practice

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

'Bye Niki': World bids farewell to Formula One legend Niki Lauda

Hundreds of fans queued in the rain to pay their last respects to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/andreas-nikolaus-niki-lauda-three-time-formula-one-champion-dies-at-70-220260&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiNrbqds8DiAhV3_XMBHaSuCHoQFjAAegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3VjlEF4UIM9dRHM8t_JAft">motor racing great Niki Lauda</a> as he lay in state in St. Stephen's Cathedral in his home city of Vienna on Wednesday.

The triple world champion, best remembered for his comeback from a fiery crash in 1976 that left him badly burned and scarred him for life, died last week at the age of 70.

Members of Lauda's family accompanied pallbearers carrying his remains into the gothic cathedral in the morning.

His wife Birgit and two of his sons placed Lauda's red-and-white driver's helmet on the casket.

Fans then came in and filed past the coffin that was placed on a platform in the centre of the cathedral.

Stars of Formula One past and present were due to attend a private Requiem Mass at 1 p.m. (1100 GMT).

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-1976-tragic-accident-to-courting-controversies-niki-lauda-will-be-remembered-for-his-fighting-spirit-220358&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiNrbqds8DiAhV3_XMBHaSuCHoQFjACegQIDhAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw1tswRmx9VcdJ33BdJIuTL6">Lauda's</a> former McLaren teammate Alain Prost will give a reading from the Old Testament at the private ceremony, the Vienna archdiocese said.

Five-time world champion Lewis Hamilton - who raced to victory in the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday in a helmet bearing Lauda's colours and name - is also due to join the congregation.

Fellow Austrian racing driver Gerhard Berger, Austrian-born star Arnold Schwarzenegger and two Austrian dignitaries -President Alexander Van der Bellen and recently ousted Chancellor Sebastian Kurz - will give short speeches at the end of the service.

Lauda will be buried at a smaller ceremony later in the day.

Hundreds of fans queued in the rain to pay their last respects to motor racing great Niki Lauda as he lay in state in St. Stephen's Cathedral in his home city of Vienna on Wednesday.

Hundreds of fans queued in the rain to pay their last respects to motor racing great Niki Lauda as he lay in state in St. Stephen's Cathedral in his home city of Vienna on Wednesday. The triple world champion, best remembered for his comeback from a fiery crash in 1976 that left him badly burned and scarred him for life, died last week at the age of 70. Members of Lauda's family accompanied pallbearers carrying his remains into the gothic cathedral in the morning. His wife Birgit and two of his sons placed Lauda's red-and-white driver's helmet on the casket. Fans then came in and filed past the coffin that was placed on a platform in the centre of the cathedral. Stars of Formula One past and present were due to attend a private Requiem Mass at 1 p.m. (1100 GMT). Lauda's former McLaren teammate Alain Prost will give a reading from the Old Testament at the private ceremony, the Vienna archdiocese said. Five-time world champion Lewis Hamilton - who raced to victory in the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday in a helmet bearing Lauda's colours and name - is also due to join the congregation. Fellow Austrian racing driver Gerhard Berger, Austrian-born star Arnold Schwarzenegger and two Austrian dignitaries -President Alexander Van der Bellen and recently ousted Chancellor Sebastian Kurz - will give short speeches at the end of the service. Lauda will be buried at a smaller ceremony later in the day.

Fans queue to say last goodbye to racing legend Niki Lauda in Vienna

Lewis Hamilton won the Monaco Grand Prix for Mercedes on Sunday, nursing his car's worn tyres to the finish in a nail-biting victory worthy of the team's late great Niki Lauda.

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel was runner-up, ending Mercedes's run of five successive one-two finishes, with Hamilton's teammate Valtteri Bottas third.

Max Verstappen crossed the finish line second for Red Bull but dropped to fourth due to a five-second penalty imposed for an earlier unsafe release and collision with Bottas in the pitlane.

"That was definitely the hardest race I've had but nonetheless I really was fighting with the spirit of Niki," said Hamilton, who dived into the trackside swimming pool after the podium formalities.

"I know he will be looking down and taking his hat off. I was trying to stay focused and make him proud," he added of the Austrian, the triple world champion and Mercedes team's non-executive chairman, who died on Monday aged 70.

The five-times world champion, now leading Bottas by 17 points, and Verstappen finished under investigation after they banged wheels into the chicane following the tunnel exit two laps from the end.

The Briton, whose medium tyres were so worn by that point that he questioned the team's strategy, was forced to cut the corner.

"I don't know what you're thinking by keeping these tyres on man. You need to hope for a miracle," he had said earlier, keeping Verstappen -- on longer-lasting harder tyres -- behind him for lap after lap.

The miracle, with Hamilton wearing a red helmet with Lauda's name and colours while the car carried a variety of tributes, duly happened as if by the late champion's celestial command.

"That was an incredible drive. There was no one else who could have done that," Mercedes chief strategist James Vowles told him over the radio after he crossed the line.

Ferrari's Charles Leclerc had created much of the early excitement of an entertaining race but was also the sole retirement, stepping out of the car in the pits with just 19 laps gone.

The Monegasque, starting 16th, was up to 12th by the end of lap seven after overtaking McLaren's Lando Norris and Haas's Romain Grosjean at the hairpin and Rascasse.

The youngster, who had vowed to be aggressive after a Ferrari's strategy blunder messed up his qualifying, then paid the price when he tried the same move on Renault's Nico Hulkenberg at Rascasse.

Leclerc spun and picked up a right rear puncture, limping home to the pits on a rim and flailing rubber, losing a lap to the leaders and flinging out debris that led to a safety car period for marshals to sweep the track.

Red Bull's Pierre Gasly finished fifth, with Carlos Saiunz sixth for McLaren followed by Toro Rosso pairing Daniil Kvyat and Alexander Albon.

Renault's Daniel Ricciardo, last year's winner for Red Bull, was ninth and Romain Grosjean collected the final point for Haas.

Lewis Hamilton won the Monaco Grand Prix for Mercedes on Sunday, nursing his car's worn tyres to the finish in a nail-biting victory worthy of the team's late great Niki Lauda.

Lewis Hamilton won the Monaco Grand Prix for Mercedes on Sunday, nursing his car's worn tyres to the finish in a nail-biting victory worthy of the team's late great Niki Lauda. Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel was runner-up, ending Mercedes's run of five successive one-two finishes, with Hamilton's teammate Valtteri Bottas third. Max Verstappen crossed the finish line second for Red Bull but dropped to fourth due to a five-second penalty imposed for an earlier unsafe release and collision with Bottas in the pitlane. "That was definitely the hardest race I've had but nonetheless I really was fighting with the spirit of Niki," said Hamilton, who dived into the trackside swimming pool after the podium formalities. "I know he will be looking down and taking his hat off. I was trying to stay focused and make him proud," he added of the Austrian, the triple world champion and Mercedes team's non-executive chairman, who died on Monday aged 70. The five-times world champion, now leading Bottas by 17 points, and Verstappen finished under investigation after they banged wheels into the chicane following the tunnel exit two laps from the end. The Briton, whose medium tyres were so worn by that point that he questioned the team's strategy, was forced to cut the corner. "I don't know what you're thinking by keeping these tyres on man. You need to hope for a miracle," he had said earlier, keeping Verstappen -- on longer-lasting harder tyres -- behind him for lap after lap. The miracle, with Hamilton wearing a red helmet with Lauda's name and colours while the car carried a variety of tributes, duly happened as if by the late champion's celestial command. "That was an incredible drive. There was no one else who could have done that," Mercedes chief strategist James Vowles told him over the radio after he crossed the line. Ferrari's Charles Leclerc had created much of the early excitement of an entertaining race but was also the sole retirement, stepping out of the car in the pits with just 19 laps gone. The Monegasque, starting 16th, was up to 12th by the end of lap seven after overtaking McLaren's Lando Norris and Haas's Romain Grosjean at the hairpin and Rascasse. The youngster, who had vowed to be aggressive after a Ferrari's strategy blunder messed up his qualifying, then paid the price when he tried the same move on Renault's Nico Hulkenberg at Rascasse. Leclerc spun and picked up a right rear puncture, limping home to the pits on a rim and flailing rubber, losing a lap to the leaders and flinging out debris that led to a safety car period for marshals to sweep the track. Red Bull's Pierre Gasly finished fifth, with Carlos Saiunz sixth for McLaren followed by Toro Rosso pairing Daniil Kvyat and Alexander Albon. Renault's Daniel Ricciardo, last year's winner for Red Bull, was ninth and Romain Grosjean collected the final point for Haas.

Lewis Hamilton wins Monaco Grand Prix in the spirit of Lauda

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