BETTER THAN EVER

Hamilton moves up a gear with fifth win

ANOTHER day and yet another routine win for Lewis Hamilton in what is an increasingly predictable Formula One campaign.

This time it was Spafrancorchamps and its stretch of 4.3 miles deep in the glorious Ardennes forest which the dominant Briton conquered.

The Mercedes star led every lap from pole to claim his fifth win this season in his pursuit of a recordequalling seventh world title.

Once again, team-mate Valtteri Bottas couldn’t get anywhere near the runaway leader who continues to make driving the fastest F1 cars in history look easy.

And this latest crushing victory, the 89th of his glittering career, moves him just two away from Michael Schumacher’s record.

Hamilton’s fellow Brit George Russell was involved in a potentially serious crash but the man of the moment never looked in danger and will head to Ferrari’s home race at Monza next weekend with a mighty 47-point championship lead.

Despite the dominant nature of the win, the six-time world champ had fears that the state of his tyres would deny him the triumph. “It wasn’t the easiest of races,” he said afterwards.

“I had a lock-up into Turn 5 which gave me a vibration on the tyre.

“It was a bit of a struggle. I was nervous we might have a scenario like Silverstone where I had the puncture, so I was nursing it.

“I know it is not what everyone wants to see – a Mercedes at the front – but no matter how much success we have we just keep our heads down. Back at the office, there are no guys celebrating. It is all about how we can win the next race and it is an incredible environment.

“I am 35 going towards 36 but I feel better than ever so that is a positive.”

Perhaps not what Hamilton’s rivals want to hear, with him showing no signs of slowing down.

It was a largely incident-free grand prix, though Russell was fortunate to escape unscathed from a harrowing high-speed accident. The youngster

■ saw his Williams hit by Antonio Giovinazzi’s wheel after he crashed.

Both drivers endured heavy hits into the barriers but were able to climb out of their cars and despite a Safety Car, Hamilton retained his lead and ultimately secured the win which extends his lead over Max Verstappen.

The Dutchman was less than impressed with the lack of action.

He said: “It was pretty boring. Not much to do. I couldn’t keep up with them when they pushed.”