Sao Paulo, Brazil - Seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton hunted down Max Verstappen to win the Sao Paulo Grand Prix for Mercedes on Sunday and slash his Red Bull rival's Formula One lead to 14 points with three races remaining.
ALSO READ: Fresh blow for Lewis Hamilton after Brazil Grand Prix disqualification
Verstappen finished second with Valtteri Bottas third for Mercedes on an astonishing, controversial and roller-coaster weekend in Brazil that will go down as one of Hamilton's greatest and most satisfying drives.
The Briton was fastest in Friday qualifying at Interlagos for Saturday's sprint that set Sunday's grid, and then demoted to the back of the field after his car's rear wing failed a technical inspection.
ALSO READ:Valtteri Bottas takes Brazil GP pole but Lewis Hamilton storms up the grid
He went from 20th to fifth on Saturday, dropping back to 10th on Sunday's grid after an engine penalty but hungry for much more.
Until today, no driver had won from further back than P8 on the grid at Interlagos 🏆@LewisHamilton started P10 today 🚀#BrazilGP 🇧![CDATA[]]>🇷 #F1 pic.twitter.com/d6d8K9epb3
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 14, 2021
The rest was history as the 36-year-old took his third win in Brazil and set a record for victory in Brazil from the lowest grid position, beating Italian Giancarlo Fisichella's 2003 win from eighth.
ALSO READ: Lewis Hamilton's rear wing failed test by 0.2mm, says Toto Wolff
"Lewis, that's how you overcome a 20-place disqualification," Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff told him over the radio after he took the chequered flag in front of a cheering crowd.
"It was actually 25, but you're right," replied a delighted Hamilton.
The win was Hamilton's sixth of the season and record-extending 101st of his career.
Red Bull's Sergio Perez finished fourth, pitting on the penultimate lap for fresh tyres to set the fastest lap and deny Hamilton a bonus point.
LEWIS: “I’m so grateful for the incredible support I’ve had this weekend. I haven’t had as much support as this since Silverstone.
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 14, 2021
"What a race. The team did a great job, Valtteri did a great job. With the penalties, it’s the hardest race weekend I’ve had”#BrazilGP 🇧![CDATA[]]>🇷 #F1 pic.twitter.com/oDnwprYj1w
After the race Hamilton thanked the Brazilian fans for their support after loud cheers when he took the lead and ultimately the race win.
“Obrigado Brazil!” said Hamilton during the post-race interview.
More to follow ...
Reuters