Mercedes wrap up seventh consecutive title as Hamilton wins at Imola

Lewis Hamilton took advantage of the virtual safety car to jump both team mate Valtteri Bottas and Max Verstappen and claim victory at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

The Brit had been running third until the duo in front pitted, and went deep into the race to help open up a 28 second gap before a VSC period, caused by Esteban Ocon's retirement, allowed him to pit and emerge still in the lead.

Bottas was struggling with debris in his bargeboards and had been passed by Verstappen, but the Dutchman in the Red Bull was pitched into retirement when his tyre blew.

It promoted Daniel Ricciardo to third spot, who fought off a spirited comeback from Daniil Kvyat in the Alpha Tauri.

Mercedes' 1-2 finish means they wrap up their seventh consecutive constructor's championship.

Hamilton said: "It was an exhausting race. I had a poor start, I'm just overwhelmed. Everyone in the team is pushing to hard to keep us on top. It always feels like the first time with this team. I'm honoured to be a part of this.

"To come back year after year, it's not easy to deliver every weekend. Seven time champions, that's something I will tell my grandchildren!"

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said: "This is something to be proud of. We have a group which is amazing together. It's a super proud moment.

"We can push for more. You can see Red Bull and Max pushing all the time until the end of the season so we're looking forward to that challenge."

Bottas said: "I picked up debris on lap 2, so I tried not to run over it but it did some damage.

"I was really pushing hard to stop Max coming through and it led to a mistake to let him by, so we were unlucky."

Ricciardo added: "It was a bizarre race. I got into fourth at the start and felt that was the best we could do. Perez had really good pace and passed in in the pits but he pitted again late.

"Kvyat came from nowhere at the end there, but I'm delighted."

Charles Leclerc was fifth, keeping his nose clean ahead of Sergio Perez and the McLaren pair of Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris. Both Alfa Romeos claimed points in their home race too, with Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi rounding out the top 10.