Lewis Hamilton wins British Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton completed a hat-trick of British Grand Prix titles from pole, but had to fight off an early surge from both Williams drivers, before a perfectly timed tyre switch in the rain saw him hold off Nico Rosberg in the final stages

The world champion finished ahead of Nico Rosberg at a rain-hit Silverstone on Sunday to extend his lead over his Mercedes team-mate to 17 points in the championship.

But the race was far from straightforward for the 30-year-old home favourite who had to overcome a poor start, and two rain showers, to seal his fifth victory from nine races this season.

Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel claimed the final spot on the podium ahead of Felipe Massa, who led the opening phase of the race, and his Williams team-mate Valtteri Bottas.

It was Hamilton’s third win at Silverstone, after his successes in 2008 and last year, but he is still behind the British drivers Jim Clark (five) and Nigel Mansell (four).