Russian GP: Lewis Hamilton wins F1 epic ahead of Max Verstappen as late rain wreaks havoc and causes grief for Lando Norris

What a race and what a way for Lewis Hamilton to claim his 100th F1 victory; Lando Norris held the lead for most of the race, but opted to stay on dry tires as heavy rain hit his McLaren; Max Verstappen second after starting last, with Hamilton just two points clear in the title race

Lewis Hamilton won a simply stunning Russian GP after longtime race leader Lando Norris suffered late heartbreak while spinning his McLaren in the pouring rain, Max Verstappen taking the opportunity to complete his comeback from the bottom of the grid at an unlikely second.

After a dramatic and drenched final, Hamilton took both the championship lead and his 100th Formula 1 victory – but the Sochi race was aimed at his young compatriot Briton who was so close to his very first triumph.

Pole-sitter Norris was heading for that first F1 victory after catching up with Carlos Sainz and then leading the majority of the race, even keeping his cool as Hamilton darted into the Mercedes after a rough start.

But as the rain started to fall with just eight laps to go, then getting heavier and heavier, Norris opted to stay on his slick tires while Hamilton and the majority of the field went for intermediates.

The decision turned out to be catastrophic as he could not control his McLaren in the conditions, slipping through the barriers. Hamilton was then there to capitalize.

“I’m miserable, devastated in a way,” said Norris clearly moved after the race. “It was my decision, I thought it was the way to go.”

“Lando did an amazing job, he had an amazing pace,” added Hamilton, who recovered after dropping from fourth to seventh in the first round.

“It would have been difficult to pass Lando unless we encountered traffic or he made a mistake… so the rain came and it was very opportunistic.”

Hamilton took the win, although Verstappen was arguably the big winner as the Dutchman, who was seventh before the rain as his first charge across the pitch from behind faded, changed tires earlier than many more and finished second.

The end result means Verstappen lost their title lead – something Red Bull expected with their engine penalty – but Hamilton is only two points ahead in the standings.

Sainz completed the podium, finishing ahead of Daniel Ricciardo, Valtteri Bottas, who was another rider who benefited greatly from the rain, and Fernando Alonso.

Norris was seventh although he may have another blow to come; he will potentially receive a penalty for crossing the white line by finally entering the pits for wet tires.

Russian GP race result
1) Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
2) Max Verstappen, Red Bull
3) Carlos Sainz, Ferrari
4) Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren
5) Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes
6) Fernando Alonso, alpine
7) Lando Norris, McLaren
8) Kimi Raikkonen, Alfa Romeo
9) Sergio Perez, Red Bull
10) George Russell, Williams

More soon.