Story highlights
Hamilton faces mounting mechanical problems
Rosberg in form to win 4th straight F1 race
Vettel faces a five-place grid penalty
Valtteri Bottas qualified third
The German dominated the race throughout, leading second-place finisher Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari by 33 seconds on the 51st lap.
Read: F1 championship standings
The defending champion withdrew from the third qualifying round when he had a mechanical problem related to his power supply.
Although the Englishman may avoid a penalty for his early withdrawal, he’s not likely begin the race higher than 10th on the grid on Sunday.
Hamilton’s turbo charger was changed before the race, but apparently still has faults. Whatever technical hitches that face Hamilton’s vehicle must be corrected within the next 24 hours if he’s to realistically challenge Rosberg this season.
“It’s the same power that i lost in China,” said the Mercedes driver to Sky Sport after coming off the track. “There is nothing I can do.”
“I never give up,” he added.
German Sebastian Vettel finished second for Ferrari, but faces a five-place grid penalty because of gearbox failure prior to the qualifier. Vettel’s first lap collision with teammate Kimi Raikkonen in China is the cause of the premature replacement.
Valtteri Bottas of Finland and Williams finished third.
