Lewis Hamilton Wins Bahrain Grand Prix

Defending world champion Lewis Hamilton extended his lead in this year's title race on Sunday when he drove to a near-flawless victory in the Bahrain Grand Prix. (All photos AFP)

The 30-year-old Briton, starting from the 42nd pole position of his career, led from lights to flag apart from two spells around the pit-stops to claim the 36th win of his career and his third in four races this year.

Hamilton's victory lifted him to 93 points in the championship, giving him a clear lead ahead of Rosberg, on 66 points.

Hamilton opened up a six-second lead before Vettel was the first of the leading group to pit for new rubber after 14 laps, swiftly followed by Rosberg.

Hamilton's Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg finished at 3rd spot.

As Raikkonen struggled on his worn tyres, Hamilton swept past to lead at the start of lap 40, both men avoiding an incident with Hulkenberg's Force India as the German came out of the pits.