Lewis Hamilton closed the gap on Sebastian Vettel in the Formula One championship to 12 points with a vital win in Canada.

Hamilton, on pole after recording the fastest ever lap at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve, was in imperious form and produced a devastating drive.

His cause was helped by a disastrous start by Vettel, the German slipping from second to fourth on the opening bend and suffering damage to his front wing that forced him to pit and rejoin the race in 18th.

But Vettel showed tenacity to navigate his way through the field and went from seventh to fourth in the final few laps. The race was a damage limitation exercise for the Ferrari driver but, given the circumstances, Vettel will be satisfied that he finished just one place short of a podium position and collected points which could prove vital come the end of the season.

For Hamilton and his Mercedes teammate Valteri Bottas, it was a stress-free race. Hamilton's lead was only in doubt for a brief moment on lap four, when Max Verstappen attacked him soon after the safety car had stepped aside, but the Briton was able to fend him off.

"Well done Lewis. Walk in the park for you today..." were the words of congratulation down the Mercedes team radio - and they were not wrong. 

Vettel's championship lead has now been cut to 12 points, with the next race in Baku on June 25 a crucial one for both Vettel and Hamilton, as the gap in the standings tightens.

 

As it happened: