Hamilton regains title lead after stunning German win
HOCKENHEIM, Germany — Lewis Hamilton regained the lead in the world drivers’ championship on Sunday when he claimed one of the most memorable victories of his career by winning a rainhit German Grand Prix for Mercedes after starting from 14th on the grid.
The defending four-time champion took full advantage of a heavy downpour during which title rival and fellowfour-time champion Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari crashed out of contention 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 deliver 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 — no wonder Mercedes chairman Dieter Zetsche embraced him.
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. Marcus Ericsson was ninth for Sauber and New Zealander Brendon Hartley 10th for Toro Rosso.
The race began in sweltering conditions with an air temperature of 27 degrees Celsius, or 80 Fahrenheit, and the track at 43 with humidity at 50% and rainclouds looming all around.
Vettel made a clean start from his 55th pole position and resisted Bottas as Raikkonen fought off Verstappen, but most attention was on Hamilton.
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.
A series of pit stops saw the lead pass from Vettel to Bottas to Verstappen and finally to Raikkonen, at which point Vettel was second.
With dark clouds swirling around, Mercedes told Hamilton they were extending his first stint “as much as we can.”
After 52 laps, Vettel crashed, sliding straight into the barriers.