Vettel in charge to take out British GP

FERRARI’S Sebastian Vettel has landed a blow in the Formula One world championship by winning rival Lewis Hamilton’s home British Grand Prix in a dramatic Silverstone race.

Meanwhile, Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo finished the race in fifth on Sunday to hold on to fourth position in the championship.

Hamilton started his Mercedes badly from pole position and was hit by the other Ferrari of Kimi Raikkonen as he tried to cling on to third.

He fell to 16th but recovered to second, ahead of Raikkonen who completed the podium.

Vettel in contrast was rewarded for a brilliant start in which he overtook Hamilton within metres on the opening straight. A late move on Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas, after two safety cars, then confirmed his 51st career victory.

It was championship leader Vettel’s fourth win of the season and extends his advantage over Hamilton from one point in the standings to eight after 10 season races.

Hamilton started on a high after a dazzling final lap on Saturday brought pole position. But like in Austria a week ago he soon ran into trouble.

A slow start cost him places to Vettel and Bottas before Raikkonen ran into his rear and was given a 10-second time penalty.

“It was my mistake, so that’s fine,” Raikkonen said. “I deserved it but kept fighting.”

The next race is at Hockenheim on July 22.