Lewis Hamilton wins Styrian Grand Prix from Max Verstappen with Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas third

LEWIS HAMILTON cruised to victory at the Styrian Grand Prix after leading from pole to flag in the Austrian mountains.

The reigning world champion was in a class of his own as converted his stunning qualifying performance into his first race win of the season.

Lewis Hamilton won his first race of the season on Sunday in AustriaCredit: AFP or licensors

Lewis Hamilton lifts his trophy aloft on the podium at Red Bull RingCredit: AFP or licensors

Lewis Hamilton cruised to victory at the Styrian Grand Prix on SundayCredit: AFP or licensors

Last week’s winner Valtteri Bottas clinched second with five laps to goCredit: Reuters

Max Verstappen finished third behind the Mercedes pairCredit: AFP or licensors

The Brit was 1.2 seconds quicker than second-placed starter Max Verstappen yesterday in Q3 and left the Red Bull driver for dead.

Verstappen was left with no option but to fend off the other Mercedes Valtteri Bottas.

But the flying Finn took second place with four laps to spare as Verstappen’s Red Bull ran out of steam.

Alex Albon came home in fourth as the team improved on their misery last weekend when both drivers retired at their home track.

But Ferrari’s horror show continued as Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc crashed into each other on the opening lap.

Both were forced to retire quickly and 22-year-old Leclerc took the blame for the shunt.

Lewis Hamilton was cleanly away from P1 on the gridCredit: AFP or licensors

The drivers race into turn one on the opening lapCredit: AFP or licensors

Verstappen tried to force the issue up front by pitting on lap 28 before the Mercedes pair and escaping the sandwich, but Hamilton covered it off.

Bottas stayed out seven laps longer and had fresh tyres for a late charge at Verstappen.

And he reeled in his man, making the pass on lap 67 and streaking clear.

His team-mate Alex Albon came home fourth ahead of a mighty scrap for fifth that went down to the wire.

Lando Norris overtook both Racing Points on the final lap to claim fifth in a stunning finish.

Sebastian Vettel’s rear wing was destroyed after crashing into team-mate Charles LeclercCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Daniel Ricciardo came eighth in his Renault ahead of the second McLaren Carlos Sainz and Daniil Kvyat in 10th.

Lewis Hamilton: “This has been quite a weird year but it’s great to be back up here and driving with this kind of performance.

“The team did a great job with the strategy and it was just up to me to keep it together, stay off the curbs and bring it home.

“I’m so grateful to be back in first place. It feels like a long time coming from last year and after a difficult weekend last week, this is a great step forward.”

Most drivers took a knee while others stood before the race in a message against racismCredit: AP:Associated Press

Valtteri Bottas leapfrogged third-placed starter Carlos Sainz early onCredit: AP:Associated Press

Valtteri Bottas leads Red Bull’s Alex Albon, who finished fourthCredit: AP:Associated Press

The race took place at Red Bull Ring in Spielberg for the second weekend runningCredit: AFP or licensors

Bottas stayed top of the drivers standings after his win last weekend with team-mate Hamilton now hot on his heels.

The F1 roadshow moves onto Hungary next weekend, where British drivers have been warned they face PRISON if they break isolation rules.

Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk