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Hamilton wins the Mexico Grand Prix to close gap at the top

The Mercedes driver won from pole to keep his title hopes alive and narrow the gap with teammate Nico Rosberg to 19 points with two races remaining Nadal vs Thiem

Hamilton wins the Mexico Grand Prix to close gap at the top
AFP

Lewis Hamilton still in the F1 title race

Defending champion Lewis Hamilton kept his title defence alive on Sunday with a controlled and near-flawless victory ahead of championship leader and Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg in a dramatic Mexican Grand Prix.

The 31-year-old came home comfortably ahead of the German to trim his advantage to 19 points with two races remaining after a fiery finish to the 71-lap race.

Vettel and Verstappen in high-profile spat

Four-time champions Sebastian Vettel lost his temper during a tempestuous exchange following a clash with teenager Max Verstappen of Red Bull - the conflict being settled by the stewards who immediately handed the Dutchman a five-second penalty.

Verstappen, who had finished third, had already taken his place in the pre-podium room with the two Mercedes drivers before the stewards' decision was taken - while Vettel fumed and let off a stream of profanities - but made a hasty retreat when the German entered the room.

Hamilton celebrates his win in Mexico City, the 30th win from pole of his career
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Hamilton celebrates his win in Mexico City, the 30th win from pole of his careerAFP

But the final fury that followed the battle for Vettel’s third place taken could not overshadow a fine drive by Hamilton which gifted him his second win in succession, his eighth of the season and the 51st of his career.

A record one-two win for Mercedes

Australian Daniel Ricciardo of Red Bull finished fourth ahead of the relegated Verstappen, Kimi Raikkonen in the second Ferrari and Nico Hulkenberg who was seventh for Force India.

Valtteri Bottas finished eighth for Williams ahead of his team-mate Felipe Massa and local hero Sergio Pérez who claimed the final point in the second Force India car.

The Mercedes team's one-two victory was a record 17th for the season and it was Hamilton's 30th win from pole position.

Hamilton takes pole in Australian GP