Racing: Lewis Hamilton wins German Grand Prix after Vettel crashes late

Lewis Hamilton regained the championship lead in unexpected and dramatic fashion on Sunday, winning the German Grand Prix after Sebastian Vettel crashed while leading near the end.

Heavy rain played havoc late on at the Hockenheimring as Vettel misjudged a basic entry into a turn and slid over the gravel into the barriers with 15 laps to go.

The four-time Formula One champion started from pole position and seemed in control. He was livid with himself, kicking the gravel in frustration as he stepped out his car.

His mishap opened the door wide open for Hamilton.

The British driver was fourth at the time of the crash, having started from 14th on the grid because of a hydraulic problem in qualifying.

“You’ve always got to believe. I just wanted to stay collected, stay calm,” said a delighted Hamilton, adding defiantly. “For those who don’t know me, now you do.”

Valtteri Bottas started and finished second on a great day for Mercedes, with Kimi Raikkonen taking third on a bad one for Ferrari.

Vettel’s incident led to a safety car coming out for several laps.

There was confusion at Mercedes, even with Hamilton out in front.

Hamilton was told to come into the pits, but ignored his mechanic screaming “In, in, in in!” at him.

When the race resumed, with about 10 laps left, Bottas almost overtook Hamilton.

That did not go down well at a nervy Mercedes.

Shortly after, Bottas was firmly told on team radio to “hold position” and not challenge Hamilton, who secured his fourth win of the season and 66th overall.

“We had a bit of a battle after the safety car taking positives as a team, perfect result for us,” said Bottas, who added — seemingly halfheartedly — that he “understood” the team’s call.

Ferrari had made a similar call earlier on, at Raikkonen’s expense.

With a little more than 20 of the 67 laps to go, Raikkonen was leading Vettel — who was complaining of his tires overheating.

Ferrari’s senior performance engineer, Jock Clear, told Raikkonen not to hold up Vettel.

Raikkonen replied “I’m sorry but can you be direct? What do you want?” and then, after another indirect suggestion to let Vettel through, Raikkonen said “So you want me to let him [past]? Please. Just tell me.”

He eventually did, ending Raikkonen’s hopes of a first win since the season-opening Australian GP in 2013. Asked about the instructions moments after the race, a rueful Raikkonen said: “It wasn’t clear. I had the speed.”

69-year-old John Forces races to 149th NHRA Funny Car win

John Force raced to his first victory of the season and record-extending 149th career Funny Car win Saturday in the Dodge Mile-High NHRA Nationals.

The 69-year-old Force won for the eighth time at Bandimere Speedway, edging Ron Capps in the final with a 4.075-second run at 315.42 mph.

Force drove the John Force Racing Camaro past Matt Hagan in the first round, Cruz Pedregon in the quarterfinals and daughter Courtney Force in the semifinals en route to his first victory since the Gatornationals in March 2017.

“I found myself with all of the crashes at probably the lowest I’ve been, probably worse than `05 when I crashed and was fighting to get back,” the 16-time season champion said. “The fire is back in me, I’m fighting.”

Leah Pritchett won in Top Fuel for her second victory of the season and seventh overall. She beat Doug Kalitta in the final with a 3.831 at 316.45.

Greg Anderson topped the Pro Stock field for his first win of the year and 91st overall, and Hector Arana Jr. won in Pro Stock Motorcycle. Anderson edged Jason Line with a 6.943 at 196.53, and

Arana topped Jerry Savoie with a 7.170 at 185.89.