SOCHI, Russia (AP) — Lewis Hamilton closed in on his fifth Formula One title with victory in Sunday's Russian Grand Prix after his teammate, Valtteri Bottas, pulled over to let him through as the pair approached halfway.
Hamilton now leads Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel by 50 points in the standings with five races remaining as both chase their fifth title.
Hamilton held off Vettel at the start and briefly dropped behind him during pit stops before retaking the lead.
As Vettel again put Hamilton under pressure on lap 25, a call came over team radio for Bottas to let his teammate through, and the Finn complied.
After Bottas gave up his chance for a first win this season, Hamilton cruised to his eighth victory and fifth in the last six races. It was Mercedes' third one-two finish this year.
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