Lewis Hamilton completed a hat-trick of British Grand Prix victories Sunday to close to within a single point of Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg in the title race.
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Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who was second in Austria, was back on the podium in third place, while teammate Ricciardo was fourth. The reigning world champion’s first win of the season came in a similar situation in wet-dry conditions at the Monaco Grand Prix.
Hamilton dived into his jubilant fans for some impromptu crowd surfing after going level with Nigel Mansell on four British Grand Prix wins in an emotional victory.
While Hamilton was busy ensuring that his lead could not be threatened, Verstappen set about chasing after Rosberg.
After the race, he thanked the British fans who packed out the venue: “I’m so grateful for you all coming out today”, Hamilton said. Eighth place would go to Carlos Sainz Jr, while Sebastian Vettel had a forgettable weekend to finish ninth, and Daniil Kvyat took home tenth place. “I am not sure you can be as happy as I am”.
On Sunday, boos aimed at championship leader Rosberg mingled with the cheers after the German came second to Hamilton in front of a 139,000 strong British crowd.
Nico Rosburg’s championship lead over Hamilton is down to one point.
With Verstappen gaining quickly, Rosberg informed the team of a gearbox problem six laps from home.
Both Mercedes men pitted for their intermediates on lap eight, ahead of the Red Bulls.
Following the investigation, Rosberg has been handed a ten-second time penalty.
“No, I’m in the barrier”, Rio replied.
“Stewards decided that in telling Rosberg how to solve a gearbox problem, they breached a new rule stating that driver’s must ‘drive the auto alone and unaided”. However, Rosberg managed to claim back his P2 spot later in the race.
Rosberg had trouble fending off Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who was able to pass the Mercedes on lap 16.
Stewards said in their ruling that while the team “gave some instructions to the driver that were specifically permitted…the team then went further and gave instructions to the driver that were not permitted”.
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He was then instructed to avoid seventh gear, with that latter piece of guidance apparently the one that has resulted in Rosberg being investigated.
