Publications
Partners
• Lewis Hamilton wins Eifel GP.
• It's his 91st victory in F1, equaling the record set by Michael Schumacher.
• Daniel Ricciardo took third place, his first podium for Renault.
• For more motoring stories, go to www.Wheels24.co.za
Lewis Hamilton took the 91st win of his Formula 1 career after taking victory at the Eifel Grand Prix. Hamilton crossed the finish line in first place, followed by Red Bull's Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo from Renault.
The Mercedes driver started the race in second place behind team mate Valtteri Bottas but inherited the lead of the race after Bottas locked up going into Turn 1 in the early stages of the race.
Hamilton would maintain the lead for the remainder of the race and would continue to do so after a safety car period following Lando Norris' retirement.
Bottas out
At the start of the race, going into Turn 1, Hamilton pushed Bottas wide to take first place after starting in second. The move almost stuck, but Bottas regained the position and would keep it well into the first stint.
A lock-up some ten laps into the race saw Hamilton pass Bottas again, but the Finnish driver would suffer a major flat spot on his right front tyre, forcing him to pit earlier than would have been the case. Later in the race, Bottas would suffer engine problems, which caused him to retire from the race.
WRAP: 2020 Eifel Grand Prix - Lewis Hamilton wins Eifel Grand Prix
Hamilton and Verstappen would continue unchallenged at the front, creating a massive gap between them and third place. Towards the closing stages, Lando Norris retired his car on the side of the track, which brought out the safety car. This bunched up the field again but did little to throw either Hamilton or Verstappen off their game.
Hamilton would register the 91st win of his F1 career, equaling the record set by Michael Schumacher.
What's been your most memorable Lewis Hamilton victory? Email us with your memory.
Finally, a podium!
While the two leading drivers went forth on their rather lonely race, it was all to play for the final podium position. Ricciardo saw a strong challenge from Racing Point's Sergio Perez for third place but managed to keep a cool head as he marched towards his first podium with Renault.
Ricciardo has been on the boil for the last few races, but could not convert his fine form into a podium finish. Bottas' retirement from the race had a part to play in Ricciardo's podium position, but it takes little away from the work Renault and Ricciardo have been putting in over the last 18 months.
Down in eighth place was Nico Hulkenberg. Brought in at a moment's notice to stand in for an ill Lance Stroll, the Hulk qualified in 20th place - last. With no practice under his belt, he had it all to drive for in the race, which is exactly what he did. Hulkenberg would race brilliantly to finish in eighth place, as well as be voted the 'Driver of the Day' by fans.
