The seven-time World Champion overtook long-time race chief Lando Norris late on. Norris — who was aiming for a maiden Grand Prix victory and was main for a lot of the race — spun his McLaren in heavy rain.
In addition to profitable his a hundredth Grand Prix and changing into the primary driver to realize the feat, he moved again to the highest of the motive force’s championship standings forward of Verstappen.
Hamilton — who surpassed F1 legend Michael Schumacher for probably the most race wins final 12 months — thanked his workforce for serving to him get so far.
“So it is good to see us united once more and clearly the workforce made an incredible name proper on the finish,” he added.
“I did not need to let Lando go and naturally I did not know what the climate was doing however I am extremely grateful to all these women and men which can be right here and again on the manufacturing facility as a result of, wow, 100.”
Taking benefit
Whereas it was Hamilton who ended up on prime of the rostrum on Sunday, it was one other Brit who appeared destined to create his personal little bit of historical past.
Norris, 21, claimed the primary pole place of his profession on Saturday, battling powerful situations to steer the pack.
And after briefly shedding the lead of the race to Carlos Sainz, he impressively reclaimed it within the thirteenth lap.
Whereas situations have been dry when the race began, a downpour in Sochi made situations powerful for drivers.
Norris and Hamilton initially stayed out, till with 4 laps to go, the Mercedes driver was suggested by his workforce to modify to intermediate tires.
On slick tires with the rain falling extra closely, Norris was caught comfortably by Hamilton because the 36-year-old took the lead late on.
The McLaren driver misplaced velocity as he tried to navigate the situations, earlier than shedding management and spinning his automotive on the 51st lap.
He ultimately completed seventh, and was clearly emotional afterward.
“I am sad, devastated in a approach,” he stated after the race. “It was my choice, I believed it was the way in which to go.”
“He had unimaginable tempo, he is doing such an incredible job for McLaren, and it was very bittersweet clearly to see my previous workforce forward — they’re doing so effectively, clearly they received the final race — they’re doing incredible.”
