LLEAEDERWHAMI:LTON LOOKING BAKU AFTER VICTORY
LEWIS HAMILTON surged to the top of the drivers’ championship after winning a chaotic and thrilling Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
The 33-yearold’s hunt for a fifth world title was given a massive boost thanks to a smash involving the two Red Bulls (right), rival Sebastian Vettel messing up an overtaking manoeuvre and a puncture for race-leader Valtteri Bottas three laps from the end.
Hamilton, who has never finished on the podium in Baku, admitted he was far from his best: “It was an emotional race. Valtteri did an exceptional job and deserved the win.
“It feels odd to be up here, but I have got to take it. It was an untidy race for me.
“I never give up. It has been a while since I’ve been reminded of that lesson my dad taught me years ago. Today was a realisation of just how true that mindset needs to be.
“I have very much mixed emotions. One is grateful for the opportunity to win a grand prix, and two that I didn’t drive like I wanted to drive. I have got some work to do, but I can go home on a high note.
“I was coming round the last corner in disbelief of the position I was in. It was very emotional for me.”
Vettel had appeared on course to secure a commanding victory, only for the race to turn on its head when Daniel Ricciardo drove into the back of Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen after a race-long duel.
Ricciardo said: “We are thankful we are allowed to race. Myself and Max love to race, as we show. We did get close a few times, sometimes we are on the limit and, unfortunately, it ended like it did. It is not a nice situation and we both feel bad.
“As far as the incident itself, it is a tough one. I thought the gap was opening on the outside and, once I’d come out, I had to commit.”
Verstappen claimed the team-mates’ relationship would not be harmed by the incident. “As racing drivers you go for every inch,” he said. “We are very fair to each other and spoke immediately afterwards.”
The crash allowed Bottas to take the lead by virtue of pitting under the safety car and, when Vettel tried to regain the lead, he overran, opening the door to Hamilton.
RACE RESULT DRIVERS TABLE CONSTRUCTO