Lewis Hamilton extended his lead in the Formula One drivers’ championship to 19 points after winning the German Grand Prix with ease on Sunday, with Mercedes team-mate and title rival Nico Rosberg only fourth.
Rosberg surrendered his lead from pole to the Briton, who stormed away to claim his sixth win in seven races and strengthen his grip in the title chase.
Second was Daniel Ricciardo, with Max Verstappen, his Red Bull team-mate, third.
Reigning world champion Hamilton took full advantage of a poor start by Rosberg, who also received a five second pit-stop penalty for an over-aggressive passing move, to deliver a flawless drive.
“Get in there, Lewis,” said his team engineer over the radio. “Great work, mate, a beautiful start and fantastically managed.”
The Briton responded: “As always, thanks to you all, brilliant pit stops and now have a well-deserved summer break.”
For Rosberg, who was seeking to repeat his 2014 triumph, it ended up as a day of disappointment on home soil.
The home fans at Hockenheim had another German to cheer as four-time champion Sebastian Vettel finished fifth ahead of his Ferrari team-mate Kimi Raikkonen and compatriot Nico Hulkenberg, who was seventh on home turf for Force India.
{{/usCountry}}The home fans at Hockenheim had another German to cheer as four-time champion Sebastian Vettel finished fifth ahead of his Ferrari team-mate Kimi Raikkonen and compatriot Nico Hulkenberg, who was seventh on home turf for Force India.
{{/usCountry}}Briton Jenson Button, the 2009 world champion, finished eighth ahead of Finn Valtteri Bottas of Williams and Mexican Sergio Perez of Force India.
“What a race,” Hamilton, who started second on the grid, told the crowd from the podium.
“Big thank you to the team, who did an amazing job.
“I didn’t make any mistakes. Yesterday was not perfect, but you learn from those things.”