Champion Lewis Hamilton wins Styrian Grand Prix

SPIELBERG: Six-time world champion Lewis Hamilton on Sunday clinched a dominant victory at the Styrian Grand Prix after both Ferraris (Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc) had to retire following a collision in the first lap.

Hamilton's first victory of the year was founded on a stupendous performance in wet qualifying, in which he took pole by more than 1.2 seconds.

His Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas clinched the second spot while Max Verstappen of Red Bull completed the podium.

"The team did a fantastic job with their strategy. I'm so grateful to be back in first place. It feels like a long time coming. This is a great, great step forward. I love back to back (races)! I could do it all season long," said Hamilton after the race.

Bottas, who came second, said: "Lewis had a good start and he could control the race. For me, starting from fourth was damage limitation so to get second isn't a bad result. It could have been better but I'm looking forward to heading to Hungary next week," he added.

Meanwhile, Verstappen said he did try to make it difficult for Valtteri. "A podium was good, but still a lot of work to do."

Leclerc also apologised for a rash move on the first lap that took out both cars. "I am disappointed in myself. I'm sorry but being sorry is not enough. Seb (Sebastian) hasn't got any faults today. IANS 

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