Poignant first win for Leclerc at scene of Hubert death crash

different tyre strategies, but once the four-time world champion was ordered aside, the Monegasque’s win rarely looked in doubt – even though Lewis Hamilton ran the youngster close. Hamilton finished one second behind Leclerc to extend his title lead over Valtteri Bottas, who took third, to 65 points.

Leclerc led as the tens of thousands of spectators at the 4.3-mile track rose to their feet to for a round of heartfelt applause on lap 19. Hubert carried the number 19 on his car.

“We grew up together,” said Leclerc as he reflected on their friendship. “Losing Anthoine takes me back to 2005 and my first French championship. There was him, Esteban [Ocon – Mercedes reserve driver], Pierre [Gasly – Toro Rosso driver] and myself. We were four kids dreaming of getting to Formula One.

“We have grown up in karting together, so to lose him is a big shock for me, and everyone in the sport.

“It is obviously quite challenging to close the visor and go through the exact corner [where he died] at the same speed as I did the day before.

“It is difficult to enjoy this victory, but hopefully in two or three weeks I will realise what happened.”

Leclerc’s victory at his 34th attempt ensures he becomes the third-youngest driver in the sport’s history. It also ends Ferrari’s winless run this year. Vettel finished fourth after a two-stop tyre strategy backfired.

“It is not easy for any driver to jump into a top team, let alone Ferrari, and continually out-perform, out-qualify and out-drive a four-time world champion,” Hamilton said of the sport’s latest race winner.

“But Charles’ results speak for themselves. There is a lot more greatness to come from him and I am looking forward to racing alongside him in the future.”