Lewis Hamilton wins French Grand Prix

AFP | Lewis Hamilton extended his championship lead and continued his relentless run of success on Sunday when he scorched to an emphatic victory ahead of Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas at the French Grand Prix on Sunday.

The defending 5-time champion repeated his pole-to-flag triumph of 2018 with a flawless drive to his 4th win in succession, 6th this season and 79th of his career.

His victory extended Mercedes’ unbeaten start to the 2019 season to 8 races and their overall winning streak to 10, the Silver Arrows leaving their main rivals trailing in their wake again.

In sweltering conditions, he extended his title race lead over Bottas to 36 points, with Charles Leclerc finishing a strong 3rd following a determined drive in his Ferrari.

Max Verstappen was 4th for Red Bull ahead of 4-time champion Sebastian Vettel in the 2nd Ferrari and the resurgent McLaren of Carlos Sainz.

Vettel, who started 7th after a troubled qualifying, took a late pit stop for fresh tyres and snatched fastest lap and a track record by 0.024 seconds from Hamilton in the final seconds.

Daniel Ricciardo was 7th for Renault ahead of Kimi Raikkonen of Alfa Romeo and Nico Hulkenberg in the 2nd Renault with Lando Norris finishing 10th despite hydraulics problems in the second McLaren.

“It’s definitely been a really good weekend,” said a beaming Hamilton. “It’s such a challenge out there and I live that, really trying to find the edge.”

“I couldn’t do it without this incredible team and we are creating history, and I am so proud to be part of it.”

Bottas, who resisted a late charge from Leclerc, said: “Ultimately, Lewis was quicker today and I couldn’t match his pace.”

Leclerc said: “I gave it everything, but the Mercedes are just too quick.”