‘Extremely grateful’ F1 champ Hamilton thanks followers after successful his fifth Russian Grand Prix to seal 100 profession victories (VIDEO)

Posted By . Under RUSSIA  Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,   

Lewis Hamilton earned a late 100th F1 victory in a dramatic Russian Grand Prix, celebrating in Sochi for the fifth time after torrential rain denied rookie Lando Norris a maiden win.

In soaking situations that threatened to emulate the thunder and lighting which delayed qualifying, 21-year-old Norris was minutes from victory regardless of rain starting to batter the observe with eight laps to go.

The McLaren prodigy’s choice to stick with slick tyres meant he suffered an agonizing end, failing to even make the rostrum as Hamilton hauled his well past from the again of the grid, leapfrogging arch-rival Max Verstappen on the prime of the standings.

“I need to say a giant thanks to all of the followers – it is such an amazing crowd right here,” Hamilton beamed to fellow British Components One champion Damon Hill on Sky Sports activities afterwards, lauding the 30,000 punters who stuffed the Autodrom to half-capacity by the Black Sea.

“I do know it isn’t been one of the best of climate however what a race we supplied, so thanks for backing us. It is taken a very long time to get to 100 [wins] and I wasn’t even positive whether or not or not it will come.”

Norris, who spun earlier than ending seventh, overcame his heartbreak to share a heat handshake and embrace with Hamilton as the seven-time champion spoke within the setting the place he has received on three of his final 4 visits.

“Lando did such an incredible job,” stated Hamilton. “He had unimaginable tempo. He is doing such an amazing job for McLaren and it’s extremely bittersweet to see my previous workforce forward and doing so properly. They’re doing fantastically.

“I am extremely grateful to all these women and men who’re right here and again on the manufacturing facility.”

Verstappen had began on the again due to an engine penalty and appeared thrilled with the consequence at a circuit the place Mercedes has historically been dominant.

Norris shunned the possibility to be given intermediaries whereas his extra established rivals made selections to change that paid off handsomely, with prophetic Verstappen charging via to complete second, having been seventh earlier than the downpour.

“At one level it was actually slippery and I believe we determined to pit on the proper time,” he stated after he ended the day two factors behind Hamilton, organising a tantalizing ultimate six races of the season.

“To come back from final to second may be very, superb. After I work up this morning, I undoubtedly did not count on this consequence.”

Carlos Sainz Jnr – the chief at one level – completed third, with Norris teammate Daniel Ricciardo fourth and Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas, who received the race in 2017 and 2020, fifth.

House racer Nikita Mazepin completed 18th on one other tough day for Haas, with teammate Mick Schumacher failing to complete.

Additionally on rt.com

F1 king Lewis Hamilton has made the most of the weather at the Russian Grand Prix © Twitter / Disastervid | © Twitter / MercedesAMGF1 | © Twitter / Formula2
Twister caught on digital camera over Sochi as F1 Russian Grand Prix apply is scrapped… however Hamilton is skipping within the rain (VIDEO)