KEY POINTS

  • German claims fifth win of 2017 ahead of Valtteri Bottas in the penultimate race of the season.
  • Kimi Raikkonen completes the podium after holding off Hamilton - who finished fourth after starting in the pit lane.

Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel won Formula One's Brazilian Grand Prix after leading from the first corner in Interlagos.

Vettel overtook pole sitter Valterri Bottas on the first corner and despite coming under pressure from the Fin after the first pit stop cruised to his fifth victory of the season.

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But the drama was being created in the scrap for third, as world champion Lewis Hamilton staged a bid for a podium place after starting from the pit lane. Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen eventually held him off to claim his 91st career top three.

"It was initially a great start," said the German, who secured second place in the drivers' championship. "I had a very good getaway but then I had some wheelspin. I think I surprised Valtteri a bit so that was very crucial.

"Really happy, especially for all the guys in the team back in Maranello. It's been very tough but it's great to have both cars up here."

Sebastian Vettel
Vettel claimed his fifth win of the season two weeks aftar seeing Hamilton win the world title. Getty Images