British F1 press react to Hamilton's 100th win and Norris' heartbreak

The Formula 1 fans around the world watched a fascinating race in Russia. But for the British fans, it was a mix of joy and heartbreak. Lewis Hamilton won the race and secured his 100th F1 career victory, whilst rising start Lando Norris suffered heartbreak after a wrong tyre decision cost him his first victory in the sport.  

BBC Sport 

BBC Sport highlight the drama in the last few laps: "Lewis Hamilton won his 100th Formula 1 race as a frantic last few laps in the Russian Grand Prix caused by heavy rain dashed Lando Norris' hopes of a maiden victory. And the rain helped Hamilton's title rival Max Verstappen vault from seventh to second in his Red Bull after timing his change to wet tyres perfectly. The Briton's win puts him back into the title lead but Verstappen's drive from the back of the grid in Sochi means Hamilton's advantage is only two points."

The Guardian 

The Guardian jokes that Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, a Russian playwright, wrote the story of the Russian Grand Prix. "With high drama and heartbreak the Russian Grand Prix was an appropriately Chekhovian affair on the shores of the Black Sea. Intense and enthralling until the closing laps, it ended with glory for the lead protagonist Lewis Hamilton, gaining his 100th Formula One victory, but anguish for Lando Norris, Sochi’s other leading player who was left ashen-faced and devastated after a salutary reminder of how cruel sport can be."

The Telegraph 

The Telegraph looks at the heartbreak suffered by Lando Norris. "A devastated Lando Norris was reduced to tears after seeing a first Formula One victory slip through his fingers at the Russian Grand Prix. Following the first pole position of his career, Norris was on course to take a fabulous maiden win, before losing the lead of a dramatic race with just two laps remaining."

The Mirror 

The Mirror looks at the title battle. "Hamilton held on and in doing so, made more history in an already spectacular career - but more importantly retook the lead in the title race ahead of Verstappen, who enjoyed a brilliant display to finish second after starting from the back of the grid."

The Daily Mail

The contrast of emotions is clear at The Daily Mail: "It was appropriate that Lewis Hamilton’s 100th win should come courtesy of the rain gods with whom he has partied so often across the 14 years and 108 days between his first victory and his unmatched century. But, heavens above, it was cruel for Lando Norris, one the British boys dreaming of emulating a little of what the seven-time world champion has achieved. For Hamilton, smiles. For Norris, tears. He had come within two laps of winning the Russian Grand Prix, of registering would have been his first victory at the age of 21, but he finished seventh after failing to change tyres as the clouds opened."