Result: Lewis Hamilton beats Sebastian Vettel to triumph in Spanish Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP celebrates with the trophy on the podium after winning the Formula One Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka Circuit on September 27, 2015
© Getty Images
Lewis Hamilton wins the Spanish Grand Prix following a pulsating head-to-head duel with Sebastian Vettel.

Lewis Hamilton has won the Spanish Grand Prix following a thrilling head-to-head duel with Sebastian Vettel at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

The Mercedes driver started from pole position but was forced into a chasing position from the lights after his championship rival enjoyed the better getaway off the front row to nose ahead at the start.

However, a clever strategic move by the team followed by Hamilton attacking and passing Vettel put the Briton in control and he defended his advantage successfully to the end.

Running alongside one another into turn one as Vettel exited the pit-lane on lap 37, Hamilton collected himself to make a definitive pass for the lead on lap 44 of 66 before pulling away to the chequered flag.

The championship favourites dominated the race, finishing 75 seconds ahead of Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo in third, after Valtteri Bottas and Kimi Raikkonen were involved in a three-way collision with Max Verstappen's Red Bull, who was on the outside of them, making heavy contact and retiring as a result.

Bottas later dropped out when running a distant third with what appeared to be engine failure as Force India profited from Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull all losing one car apiece to finish fourth and fifth with Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon respectively.

Spanish GP results:

1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
2. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)
3. Daniel Ricciardo (Red Bull)
4. Sergio Perez (Force India)
5. Esteban Ocon (Force India)
6. Nico Hulkenberg (Renault)
7. Carlos Sainz Jr (Toro Rosso)
8. Pascal Wehrlein (Sauber)
9. Daniil Kvyat (Toro Rosso)
10. Romain Grosjean (Haas)
11. Marcus Ericsson (Sauber)
12. Fernando Alonso (McLaren)
13. Felipe Massa (Williams)
14. Kevin Magnussen (Haas)
15. Jolyon Palmer (Renault)
16. Lance Stroll (Williams)
RET. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes)
RET. Stoffel Vandoorne (McLaren)
RET. Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari)
RET. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

Nico Rosberg of Mercedes during practice for the Formula One Grand Prix of Russia at Sochi Autodrom on April 29, 2016
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TeamPoints
1Mercedes161
2Ferrari153
3Red Bull72
4Force India53
5Toro Rosso21
6Williams-Mercedes18
7Renault14
8Haas9
9Sauber4
10McLaren0
DriversTeamPoints
1Sebastian VettelFerrari104
2Lewis HamiltonMercedes98
3Valtteri BottasMercedes63
4Kimi RaikkonenFerrari49
5Daniel RicciardoRed Bull37
6Max VerstappenRed Bull35
7Sergio PerezForce India34
8Esteban OconForce India19
9Felipe MassaWilliams-Mercedes18
10Carlos SainzToro Rosso17
11Nico HulkenbergRenault14
12Romain GrosjeanHaas5
13Kevin MagnussenHaas4
14Pascal WehrleinSauber4
15Daniil KvyatToro Rosso4
16Lance StrollWilliams-Mercedes0
17Marcus EricssonSauber0
18Jolyon PalmerRenault0
19Stoffel VandoorneMcLaren0
20Fernando AlonsoMcLaren0
21Antonio GiovinazziSauber0