Mercedes-AMG's Lewis Hamilton went from 14th on the grid to the top of the podium on Sunday at the 2018 Formula 1 German Grand Prix thanks to a combination of brilliant driving and lots of luck.
Problems with his gearbox during Saturday's qualifying meant the reigning world champion started the race at the Hockenheimring near the back of the field.
Meanwhile, Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel started on pole and led for most of the day but came unglued in the final moments, when he slid of the track and crashed into a barrier. Driving on soft tires, Vettel was caught by surprise on lap 52 of 67 by a slippery Sachskurve caused by light rain earlier on the day. The resulting crash was the fifth time he's retired from the lead of a race during his career.
Following a safety car period to clear Vettel's car, Hamilton moved into the lead and finished the race 4.535 seconds ahead of teammate Valtteri Bottas. In third was Ferrari's Kimi Räikkönen who finished 6.732 seconds behind Hamilton.
The race started with Vettel holding of Bottas, Räikkönen and Red Bull Racing's Max Verstappen in the top pack, and Hamilton fighting his way up. Hamilton was already up to sixth by lap 11 but his gap with Vettel was a full 25 seconds.
2018 Formula 1 German Grand Prix
The Mercedes driver wasn't the only one fighting his way up. Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo, who started at the back of the grid due to a power unit change, also put on an impressive show, getting as far as 10th before a lack of power meant he had to retire. It was his fourth retirement from 11 races this season.
The first drops of rain started to fall around lap 45. While there was no downpour, the track became slippery and with most drivers on soft tires there was a lot of sideways action. Others caught out included Sauber's Charles Leclerc and Force India's Sergio Perez, who both suffered spins.
As a result of Sunday's action, Hamilton, who had an eight-point deficit to Vettel going into the race, now leads the 2018 Drivers' Championship with a 17-point advantage. He sits on 188 points versus Vettel's 171. Räikkönen is third with 131 points. The one-two finish for Mercedes means the team also reclaimed the lead spot in the Constructors' Championship, with its tally now standing at 310 points versus the 302 of Ferrari and 211 of Red Bull.
The next race on the calendar is the Hungarian Grand Prix on this weekend.
Hit the next page for the full results from the 2018 Formula 1 German Grand Prix.
2018 Formula 1 German Grand Prix
Below are the full results from the 2018 Formula 1 German Grand Prix.
1) Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes-AMG
2) Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes-AMG +4.535 seconds
3) Kimi Räikkönen, Ferrari +6.732 seconds
4) Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing +7.654 seconds
5) Nico Hulkenberg, Renault +26.609 seconds
6) Romain Grosjean, Haas +28.871 seconds
7) Sergio Perez, Force India +30.556 seconds
8) Esteban Ocon, Force India +31.750 seconds
9) Marcus Ericsson, Sauber +32.362 seconds
10) Brendon Hartley, Toro Rosso +34.197 seconds
11) Kevin Magnussen, Haas +34.919 seconds
12) Carlos Sainz, Renault +43.069 seconds
13) Stoffel Vandoorne, McLaren +46.617 seconds
14) Pierre Gasly, Toro Rosso +1 lap
15) Charles Leclerc, Sauber +1 lap
Ret) Fernando Alonso, McLaren
Ret) Lance Stroll, Williams
Ret) Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari
Ret) Sergey Sirotkin, Williams
Ret) Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull Racing
