Lewis Hamilton’s domination of Formula One continued in Bahrain as the reigning world champion clinched his ninth victory in the past 11 races.

As in China a week ago it was another brilliant, controlled drive from Hamilton who has now set a personal best record of finishing in the points for 11 consecutive grands prix. His team-mate Nico Rosberg was beaten for second by Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen.

Hamilton led from the start and was alway

s in control as he took his third victory in four races this season.

Rosberg battled both Ferraris during the race and lost second to Raikkonen after an error with two laps to go. Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel wrecked his podium chances by going off track and damaging his car while racing Rosberg. Raikkonen, who nipped past Rosberg at the start of the penultimate lap when the German ran too deep into Turn One, put in an impressive drive on an alternative tyre strategy to move up from fourth place on the grid.

But Hamilton was out of touch at the front under the lights at the Sakhir track on a windy desert night. Hamilton finished a comfortable 3.3 seconds clear of Raikkonen.

Overall, Hamilton now has 36 career wins, with 21 of those from pole position to open up a 27-point cushion over his Mercedes team-mate.