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German GP win gives Hamilton breathing space

Germany - Lewis Hamilton extended his lead in the Formula 1 drivers' championship to 19 points after winning the 2016 German Grand Prix with ease on Sunday (July 31), with Mercedes team mate and title rival Nico Rosberg only fourth.

Rosberg surrendered his lead from pole to the Briton, who stormed away to claim his sixth win in seven races and strengthen his grip in the title chase.

Second was Daniel Ricciardo, with Max Verstappen, his Red Bull team mate, third.

'Well-deserved summer break'

Reigning world champion Hamilton took full advantage of a poor start by Rosberg, who also received a five second pit-stop penalty for an over-aggressive passing move, to deliver a flawless drive.

Hamilton's team engineer said over the radio: "Get in there, Lewis! Great work, mate, a beautiful start and fantastically managed."

READ: As it happened: 2016 German GP

The Briton responded: "As always, thanks to you all, brilliant pit stops and now have a well-deserved summer break."

For Rosberg, who was seeking to repeat his 2014 triumph, it ended up as a day of disappointment on home soil.

The home fans at Hockenheim had another German to cheer as four-time champion Sebastian Vettel finished fifth ahead of his Ferrari team mate Kimi Raikkonen and compatriot Nico Hulkenberg, who was seventh for Force India.

Briton Jenson Button, the 2009 world champion, finished eighth ahead of Finn Valtteri Bottas of Williams and Mexican Sergio Perez of Force India.

READ: German GP - Hamilton fastest off the mark, controls Hockenheim race

"What a race," Hamilton, who started second on the grid, told the crowd from the podium.

"Big thank you to the team, who did an amazing job.

"I didn't make any mistakes. Yesterday was not perfect, but you learn from those things."

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