Hamilton wins as Mercedes clinch constructors' title

November 1

Mercedes became the first team to win seven successive Formula One constructors’ titles on Sunday as Lewis Hamilton celebrated a record-extending 93rd career win at Imola to stand on the brink of a seventh drivers’ crown.

Hamilton came back from third place at the end of the opening lap to lead Finnish team mate Valtteri Bottas in a Mercedes one-two at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at the Italian circuit.

The Briton, who took the chequered flag 5.783 seconds ahead of pole man Bottas, also banked a bonus point for the fastest lap to extend his lead to a hefty 85 points with four races remaining.

Hamilton can now equal Ferrari great Michael Schumacher’s record seven titles in two weeks’ time at the Turkish Grand Prix.

Bottas is the only rival remaining in mathematical contention, meaning Mercedes have also taken seven successive championship doubles, after Red Bull’s Max Verstappen crashed out with a sudden tyre blowout while in second place.

Australian Daniel Ricciardo finished third for Renault, his second podium of the season for a French team now third overall, with Russian Daniil Kvyat fourth for AlphaTauri .

“What an incredible achievement for all of you. I am so proud of everybody and I am so grateful to be a part of it,” said Hamilton over the team radio after being told of the constructors’ success. “People watching maybe think we’re used to this but it always feels like the first with this team and I think that’s because of the spirit,” he said after stepping out of the car. “It’s unbelievable… seven-times champs. That’s something I’m going to be able to tell my grandchildren one day.” — Reuters