Hamilton cruises in Russia

SOCHI, Russia – Lewis Hamilton cruised to victory in the inaugural Russian Grand Prix on Sunday, leading a 1-2 finish for Mercedes-Benz that clinched its first Formula One constructors’ title and stretched his lead in the championship.

Nico Rosberg placed second despite having to pit early in the race and trails his teammate by 17 points in the drivers’ standings, with three races remaining.

Hamilton became only the fourth driver in Formula One history to win nine races in a season. He equaled Nigel Mansell’s record of 31 victories for a British driver. The other three with nine or more wins in a season were Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel and Mansell.

Before the race, the drivers united to send a message of support to their injured colleague Jules Bianchi, who is fighting for his life following an accident at the Japanese Grand Prix one week ago.

The 21 drivers gathered together on the grid shortly before the startstood behind the words “Jules, we are all supporting you” inscribed into the grid.