Monaco Grand Prix: Sebastian Vettel wins to leave Lewis Hamilton trailing in his wake in world title race
SEBASTIAN VETTEL opened up a 25 point lead in the drivers’ championship after his victory in the Monaco Grand Prix.
The German received preferential treatment from his Ferrari team at the expense of Kimi Raikkonen, who had to settle for second.
Sebastian Vettel celebrates his victory at the Monaco Grand PrixRex FeaturesSebastian Vettel opened up a 25-point lead in the title race with his Monaco winGetty Images
In a fairly uneventful race, Ferrari’s decision to give Vettel the better race strategy will be a bone of contention as Raikkonen had started on pole.
It was a case of damage limitation for Lewis Hamilton, who started down in 13th place after a shocking qualifying session.
The Brit battled back to finish seventh while his Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas was fourth behind Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo.
However, it was a miserable race for Jenson Button, who made a shocking mistake at Portier, punting Pascal Wehrlein’s car onto its side.
Sebastian Vettel posts message to his fans after Monaco Grand Prix win
Sebastian Vettel celebrates with his team mechanics after sealing Monaco gloryEPAVettel takes the chequered flag to extend his lead at the top of the world driver's standingsRex FeaturesSebastian Vettel on the podium with runner-up Kimi Raikkonen and third-placed Daniel RicciardoGetty ImagesSebastian Vettel tastes his victory champagne after winning in Monte CarloGetty Images
Nico Hulkenberg, Button, Stoffel Vandoorne and Marcus Ericsson also failed to finish.
The best action was reserved for the final 12 laps after a safety car set up a race to the finish for the podium places.
Vettel was always too quick for a Riakonnen who appeared to lack conviction after the way he had been deprived of the lead.
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But there was a real battle for the final podium place which saw the Red Bulls of Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen locked in a tussle with Valtteri Bottas of Mercedes.
Ricciardo even touched the wall coming into the pit straight as Bottas and Verstappen pushed behing him, but the Australian held his nerve to finish third.
Sebastian Vettel secured his third win in six races this seasonGetty ImagesLewis Hamilton drives past the yachts parked in Monte Carlo harbour for the weekendEPALewis Hamilton had to settle for seventh and now trails Vettel by 25 pointsGetty Images
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