Hamilton takes emotional Abu Dhabi win

Lewis Hamilton took victory in Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to end a difficult run of results and a seven-race podium streak for world champion Sebastian Vettel.

The German had looked set for his now-customary lights-to-flag victory after taking his 14th pole of the season in Saturday's qualifying but suffered a rare stroke of bad luck just two corners in to the race as a puncture pitched him off the circuit. Vettel would make it back to the pits but had suffered too much damage to continue.

That left second place starter Hamilton out front with Fernando Alonso - who had produced a stunning first lap in his Ferrari to move from fifth to second - in pursuit.

On a circuit that does not encourage overtaking there was not a great deal of action, particularly out front as Hamilton controlled his lead and Alonso gave everything to stay in touch with the Brit.

Mark Webber and Jenson Button did enjoy some close racing, the Bri5t eventually winning out as a strange stratergy call from the Red Bull saw him stop for a new set of tyres on the final lap.

Out front Hamilton took his third win of the season from Alonso with Button completing the podium. Webber took P4 with Felipe Massa a distant fifth in the second Ferrari.

Mercedes drivers Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher were sixth and seventh respectively following a wheel-to-wheel first lap battle. They were followed home by the Force Indias of Adrian Sutil and Paul di Resta whilst Sauber's Kamui Kobayashi ended a long pointless spell with tenth.

The season concludes in Brazil in two weeks time with Button leading the chase for runner-up spot in the championship. He heads to South America ten points clear of Alonso and 22 ahead of Webber with Hamilton now unable to beat his team-mate in the standings.

For all the latest F1 news watch Inside Grand Prix on Motors TV


James Weeks