The seven-time World Champion overtook long-time race chief Lando Norris late on. Norris — who was aiming for a maiden Grand Prix victory and was mainly for a lot of the race — spun his McLaren in heavy rain. Hamilton finally completed over 53 seconds forward of second-placed Max Verstappen, who had begun behind the grid after Crimson Bull took a brand new engine.
In addition, to profitable his a hundredth Grand Prix and changing into the primary driver to realize the feat, he moved again to the highest of the driving force’s championship standings forward of Verstappen.
Hamilton — who surpassed F1 legend Michael Schumacher for probably the most race wins final 12 months — thanked his staff for serving to him get so far.
“So it is good to see us united once more and clearly the staff made a terrific name proper on the finish,” he added.
“I did not need to let Lando go and naturally I did not know what the climate was doing, however, I am extremely grateful to all these women and men who can be right here and again on the manufacturing unit as a result of, wow, 100.”
Taking benefit
Whereas it was Hamilton who ended up on prime of the rostrum on Sunday, it was one other Brit who appeared destined to create his personal little bit of historical past.
Norris, 21, claimed the primary pole place of his profession on Saturday, battling robust situations to steer the pack.
And after briefly dropping the lead of the race to Carlos Sainz, he impressively reclaimed it within the thirteenth lap.
Whereas situations had been dry when the race began, a downpour in Sochi made situations robust for drivers.
Norris and Hamilton initially stayed out, till, with 4 laps to go, the Mercedes driver was suggested by his staff to change to intermediate tires.
On slick tires with the rain falling extra closely, Norris was caught comfortably by Hamilton because the 36-year-old took the lead late on.
The McLaren driver misplaced velocity as he tried to navigate the situations, earlier than dropping management and spinning his automobile on the 51st lap.
He finally completed seventh and was clearly emotional afterward.
“He had unimaginable tempo, he is doing such a terrific job for McLaren, and it was very bittersweet clearly to see my outdated staff forward — they’re doing so properly, clearly they gained the final race — they’re doing incredible.”
