Mercedes, however, have protested against the result of the race with both teams now having to report to the stewards. Hamilton caught the leader, Red Bull’s Sergio Pérez who had yet to pit, on lap 20. It was bravura, nail-biting stuff and Hamilton could not find a way through for over a lap. Yet the Mercedes race pace was formidable and Hamilton began once more eking out a lead of almost 4sec up by lap 27. Red Bull could not make an impression on the Mercedes with Hamilton comfortable out front. Mercedes left Hamilton out to maintain track position, leaving the Dutchman with fresh tyres to attack for 20 laps. Red Bull immediately pitted Verstappen for fresh tyres but Mercedes left Hamilton out to once more maintain track position.

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