Lewis Hamilton claimed victory at a controversial Canadian Grand Prix in the wake of on-the-road winner Sebastian Vettel sustaining a time penalty.
Vettel retained the lead at the start while Hamilton slotted into second position, with the pair remaining separated by around two seconds through the first stint.
Vettel was informed that Ferrari had switched to Plan B and came in on lap 26 of 70 to exchange Medium tyres for Hards.
Canadian GP: Drivers' Standings | Constructors' Standings | Race Result
Hamilton stayed out but two laps later made the same strategic switch, emerging four seconds behind the Ferrari driver.
Hamilton quickly reeled in Vettel and got within DRS range, but was never close enough to make a serious challenge for the lead.
However, on lap 48 Vettel slid wide through Turn 4 and ran across the grass, with a dap of opposite lock meaning he re-joined in front of Hamilton, who had to back off.
Hamilton expressed his belief that the move was dangerous and stewards launched an investigation, eventually deeming Vettel’s actions worthy of a five-second time penalty.
“Where am I supposed to go,” cried an irate Vettel over the radio. “I am focused, but they are stealing the race from us!”
Hamilton dropped out of range but reeled in Vettel through the closing stages, though never fully attacked, knowing his rival had a time penalty.
Vettel crossed the line 1.4s ahead of Hamilton, but it was the Briton who inherited victory, with Charles Leclerc taking his second podium after holding a lonely third for much of the race.
Valtteri Bottas was fourth for Mercedes, putting a subdued recovery from sixth on the grid, ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.
Renault duo Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hulkenberg were sixth and seventh, while strategy dropped Pierre Gasly to eighth.
Lance Stroll recovered from another Q1 exit to take ninth spot on home soil, while Daniil Kvyat rounded out the top 10 after passing Carlos Sainz Jr. late on.
Lando Norris was an early retirement after he suffered a right-rear failure that halted his McLaren MCL34.
Circuit Paul Ricard will host the next round of the season, the French Grand Prix, from June 21 to 23
