Russian Grand Prix - as it happened: Lewis Hamilton beats Valtteri Bottas and Sebastian Vettel

Relive all the action from the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi

Formula 1: Official intro video

From pole, Valtteri Bottas got a good start and almost hung Lewis Hamilton out to dry as he defended his position in the first two turns and invited Sebastian Vettel to attack his teammate. The Ferrari edged in front of Hamilton, but the championship leader held his nerve and swatted him away.

Hamilton held off championship rival Sebastian Vettel after a tight battle following a strategic pit-stop by Ferrari, and was then given clearance by Mercedes to pass Bottas on lap 25 after establishing a lead over the German, taking the win away from his teammate.

The procession to the finish was made a little more complicated by a minor engine problem and a tyre blister on Hamilton’s car, but it was a nevertheless another important victory, and with a 50 point lead over Vettel, it meant that the British driver placed one hand on his fifth championship title.

Preview

When is it?

The fifth Russian Grand Prix, in it’s current format, is on Sunday 30 September.

What time does it start?

The race in Sochi begins at 12:10 BST

Where can I watch it?

Sky Sports will be showing live coverage on Sky Sports F1 and online on the Sky Go app. You can also follow the action with The Independent’s live blog above.

The starting grid

1. Valtteri Bottas

2. Lewis Hamilton

3. Sebastian Vettel

4. Kimi Raikkonen

5. Kevin Magnussen

6. Esteban Ocon

7. Charles Leclerc

8. Sergio Perez

9. Romain Grosjean

10. Marcus Ericsson

11. Carlos Sainz Jnr

12. Nico Hulkenberg

13. Sergey Sirotkin

14. Stoffel Vandoorne

15. Lance Stroll

16. Fernando Alonso

17. Pierre Gasly

18. Brendon Hartley

19. Max Verstappen

20. Daniel Ricciardo

Key Points

• Valtteri Bottas starts on pole after Lewis Hamilton made a rare error in qualifying
• Hamilton starts in second as he looks to add to his driver's championship lead of 40 points
• Sebastian Vettel starts in third, alongside Ferrari teammate Kimi Raikkonen
• Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo start from the back of the grid after engine penalties

[30 September 2018 13:47 · Jack Watson]

Muted celebrations from the Mercedes drivers as they have a conversation after getting out of their car. Let's see what they have to say.

[30 September 2018 13:49 · Jack Watson]

Hamilton: Bottas deserved to win 

"It's a difficult day because I mean Valtteri did a fantastic job all weekend and was a real gentleman told let me by. The team have done such an exceptional job to have a one two.

"I would usually be elated but I understand what Valtteri did today and he deserved to win. It doesn't feel spectacular."

[30 September 2018 13:50 · Jack Watson]

Bottas on a 'difficult day'

"Personally it was quite difficult. We always go through the scenarios. Lewis is fighting for the championship and we are fighting for the constructors. It is what it is."

[30 September 2018 13:53 · Jack Watson]

Vettel: 'It was hard but fair'

"They worked very good together and at the start i had no where to go. We surprised them with a good out lap and I got Lewis. Lewis was close then had a turn into turn two - I did not see him through the left handed, he as somewhere on the outside, I thought, fair enough and gave room, even though I didn't want to.

"It was hard but fair. Everyone had the same pace. I tried my best but couldn't get close enough."

[30 September 2018 14:38 · Jack Watson]

Hamilton quiet in huge win

It became clear from the moment that Valtteri Bottas qualified ahead of Lewis Hamilton on Saturday that Mercedes’ team orders would play a large part in the race.