Hamilton snatches F1 lead after Canada win

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Published time: June 10, 2012 23:04
Edited time: June 11, 2012 03:24

Lewis Hamilton became the seventh winner in as many races in the current Formula 1 season, with Canadian Grand Prix success propelling the McLaren man to the top of the championship.

­Romain Grosjean of Lotus finished second, while Sauber’s Sergio Perez completed the podium.

The race at Gilles Villeneuve Circuit in Montreal was all about strategy, and Hamilton and his engineers prevailed.  

Fernando Alonso of Ferrari was leading the pack with five laps to go, but worn tires made the Spaniard uncompetitive.

He let Hamilton pass without a fight, and kept giving away positions until the checkered flag to finish only in fifth.

Russia’s Vitaly Petrov once again lost his battle to Caterham teammate Heikki Kovalainen, finishing in the 19th spot.

"We've got a win and 25 points, but we've only got a two-point lead," said Lewis Hamilton after the race. "It's incredible how close it is. I think it will stay that close throughout the year."

The victorious Brit has gone top of the drivers’ championship with 88 points, but second-placed Alonso is just two points behind.

Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel, who was fourth in Canada, isn’t giving up plans of defending his F1 title as he has 85 points in the bag.