Hamilton wins in Montreal

Lewis Hamilton has won the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal from pole on Sunday, ahead of Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg. Williams' Valteri Bottas completed the podium in third place.

After the drama in Monaco in the previous Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton was hoping for no more slip-ups in the race for the Driver's Championship. Battling team-mate Nico Rosberg for the title, the Mercedes pair began the race in Montreal at the front of the grid. As the lights went out, Hamilton began to shine, staying well clear of the following pack.

German driver Sebastian Vettel started from 18th on the grid for Ferrari, but was superb throughout the race and finished in fifth place. At one stage, Vettel was joined by fellow former world champions Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso in the middle of the pack as they fought to move forward.

All too easy for Hamilton

Extending his lead to over three seconds after 15 laps, Hamilton dominated from start to end in securing his fourth win of the season. The lead was almost at five seconds just 10 laps later and the British driver would not be stopped.

Behind Rosberg was Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen, but just after making a stop in the pits, the Finish driver had spun out. "Exactly the same happened last year," proclaimed the Fin on his radio. In the end, he finished fourth. On lap 37, a new star of the day emerged and it wasn't a driver. A beaver had made it's way on to the track and got all too close to the action, as several drivers were forced to maneuever around the animal.

Frustration was felt elsewhere, as McLaren-Honda's Fernando Alonso was forced to retire on lap 46. The Spaniard had no power in his car, as he was forced out of the race. Whilst his former team struggled as Jenson Button was also forced to retire, Lewis Hamilton had his fist aloft after 70 laps, crossing the line over two seconds ahead of Nico Rosberg.

"I love Montreal. I love this track, this city... really just a fantastic weekend," said Hamilton after the race. "Did I need this? I think so, I think so."

The win extends Hamilton's lead at the top of the Driver's Championship standings to 17 points ahead of Rosberg. The Austrian Grand Prix takes place next at Spielberg over the weekend of June 19-21.