After that, Mercedes had such a pace advantage that Bottas was able to edge well clear of Verstappen and then hold the Red Bull at whatever comfortable distance he chose for the entire race. He then secured fastest lap at the end too.

Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas dominated after the world champion was given a 10-second penalty for doing two illegal practice starts.

Hamilton was initially given two penalty points to put him two away from an automatic one-race ban.

But these were later rescinded on the basis the team were at fault.

Bottas’ victory meant he cut Hamilton’s championship lead to 44 points.

Valtteri Bottas: “Once I was in clean air I felt that the pace was pretty awesome and that I could control everything. Never give up. It’s a good day. It’s nice to get another win as it’s been a while and I now need to keep the momentum going.”

Max Verstappen: “After the restart we were a little slower on the medium, I was having problems with the balance. Once we were on the hard tyre we were a bit more competitive. I was just trying to do my own race today. I think we managed it well. I am very happy with second especially after two DNFs.”

Lewis Hamilton: “First I want to say a big thank you to the fans that came this weekend, it’s not been a great day but it is what it is. It doesn’t matter, it’s done now so I’ll take the points and move on but congratulations go to Valtteri.”