Relentless Hamilton dominates French Grand Prix, extends lead

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

The defending five-time champion repeated his pole-to-flag triumph of 2018 with a flawless drive to his fourth win in succession, sixth this season and 79th of his career. His victory extended Mercedes’ unbeaten start to the 2019 season to eight races and their overall winning streak to 10, the Silver Arrows leaving their main rivals trailing in their wake again.

After eight of this season’s 21 races, Hamilton leads the championship with 187 points ahead of Bottas on 151.

“It’s definitely been a really good weekend,” said the Briton. “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,” Hamilton reflected. In sweltering conditions, he extended his title race lead over Bottas to 36 points — with Charles Leclerc finishing a strong third following a determined drive in his Ferrari.

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.”

Max Verstappen was fourth for Red Bull ahead of four-time champion Sebastian Vettel in the second Ferrari and the resurgent McLaren of Carlos Sainz.

Agence France-Presse