Defending champion Lewis Hamilton is back at the top of this year’s Formula One championship after winning the German Grand Prix (GP) on Sunday afternoon.

Hamilton, who started the race in 14th, capitalised on former leader Sebastian Vettel’s car crash to move 17 points clear at the top of the championship.

Vettel was in a comfortable lead ahead of Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas until the rain started with 25 laps to go.

The rain became heavier and the German lost control and thereafter brought out a safety car to put an end to his race.

After the safety car period, Hamilton pulled away after his teammate, Bottas, was told to by Mercedes officials to back off an initial challenge.

The British driver thereafter finished the race ahead of Bottas and Vettel’s Ferrari driver.

On his unfortunate car crash, Vettel told Sky Sports told: “I don’t think it was a huge mistake.”

“It’s not like I will have huge difficulties sleeping because I made a big mistake. We didn’t need the rain.

“We have a strong car, so we can be as confident, more confident, than anybody else. It was one of those moments. My mistake. Apologies to the team.

“Small mistake, big disappointment. The tyres weren’t fresh, but it was slippery for everyone.” He concluded.