Lewis Hamilton was left with a protocol dilemma after cruising to the 31st victory of his career: how do you behave in front of the president of the Russian Federation? He turned against the wall in the pre-podium room and fluffed his hair, as has become his custom in recent months. The question was immediately raised whether this was a calculated slight motivated by a political objection. Doubtful. When Hamilton realised that Putin was in attendance, he shook the hand of the inscrutable leader, a ritual the pair repeated when Putin handed over the winner’s trophy for the inaugural Russian Grand Prix.
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Lewis Hamilton wins the inaugural Russian Grand Prix in Sochi
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Brit finished ahead of Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg in Russia
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He extends his Championship lead to 17 points after his ninth win
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Valtteri Bottas third, with Jenson Button fourth and Kevin Magnussen fifth
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Mercedes ensured victory in the constructors' world championship
@placeholder was able to complete 52 laps on a single set of tires, but his early mistake cost him dearly