Victorious Lewis Hamilton defends rival Sebastian Vettel on deprived form

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton (left) defends Ferrari rival Sebastian Vettel, who disappointed Italian fans with his fifth-place finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix [Courtesy]

A victorious Lewis Hamilton moved to defend his rival Sebastian Vettel as the four-time champion's recent form came under scrutiny following another costly spin in Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix.

Hamilton, who was gifted the 74th win of his career when Ferrari new boy Charles Leclerc’s engine lost power in the final 10 laps, said Vettel’s achievements dwarfed his disappointments.