Battling Lewis Hamilton beats Nico Rosberg in Mexico to keep his title bid alive

Defending champion Lewis Hamilton kept alive his title defence with a controlled and controversial victory ahead of championship leader and Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg in a stormy and dramatic Mexican Grand Prix.

The 31-year-old Briton came home comfortably ahead of the German to trim his advantage to 19 points with two races remaining after a fiery finish to the 71-lap race.

This saw four-time champion Sebastian Vettel lose his temper during a tempestuous exchange following a clash with teenager Max Verstappen of Red Bull.

The conflict was settled by the stewards who swiftly handed the Dutchman a five-second penalty for gaining an advantage when he went off the track at turn one.

Verstappen, who had finished third, had already taken his place in the pre-podium room with the two Mercedes drivers before the stewards’ decision was taken – while Vettel fumed and gave vent to a stream of profanities – but made a hasty retreat when the German came to the room.

But the final fury that followed the battle for third place taken by Vettel could not overshadow a near-flawless drive by Hamilton to his second win in succession, his eighth of the season and the 51st of his career.

“It’s my first win in Mexico and for that I am very happy,” said Hamilton. “Nico is doing a great job and I just aim to keep winning. It’s all I can do.”