Hamilton regains drivers’ lead
● Memorable victory for Brit in German Grand Prix – and stunning one-two finish for Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton regained the lead in the world drivers’ championship on Sunday when he claimed one of the most memorable victories of his career in a rain-hit German Grand Prix for Mercedes after starting from 14th on the grid.
The four-time defending champion took full advantage of a heavy downpour during which title rival and fellow-four-time champion Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari crashed out to produce a master-class of technical and tactical racing in treacherous conditions.
His teammate, Valtteri Bottas, came home second, 4.5 seconds behind the Englishman, ahead of fellow-Finn Kimi Raikkonen, of Ferrari, to bring Mercedes’ first one-two finish at a German Grand Prix.
It was Hamilton’s fourth win this year – and the 66th of his career – the triumph lifting him to the top of the drivers’ title race and putting Mercedes back on top of the constructors’ championship.
Mercedes chairman Dieter Zetsche embraced him.
“Get in there, Lewis,” Mercedes said on the team radio. “Miracles do happen mate.”
Hamilton said: “What an amazing job by you guys.
“That was highly unlikely, but you’ve got to believe,” Hamilton said.
“I kept pushing, kept believing and I manifested my dream. So, thanks to God.”
Dutchman Max Verstappen finished fourth for Red Bull ahead of German Nico Hulkenberg, of Renault, Romain Grosjean, of Haas, Sergio Perez and his Force India teammate Esteban Ocon.
The race began in sweltering conditions and rain clouds looming all around.
Vettel made a clean start from his 55th pole position and resisted Bottas as Raikkonen fought off Verstappen.
Hamilton was swiftly up to 12th from 14th and then reeled off a series of measured passes to climb to sixth by lap 11, when he passed Hulkenberg.
At the front, Vettel was content to stay 3.8 seconds clear of the chasing Bottas before Raikkonen was first to pit, on lap 15, switching to softs and rejoining fourth.
With dark clouds swirling around, Mercedes told Hamilton they were extending his first stint.
Vettel, trapped behind Raikkonen, complained and the team asked the Finn to allow him to retake the lead.
Hamilton, finally, pitted for ultra-soft tyres on lap 43 and rejoined in fifth.
After 52 laps, Vettel crashed, sliding into the barriers.
A safety car came out and while his rivals pitted for fresh tyres, Hamilton took the lead.
When racing resumed on lap 57, Bottas attacked his Mercedes teammate, but Hamilton held on – and also raced faster than Bottas.