British seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton imposed himself on the Barcelona arena after his team successfully played strategy ahead of Red Bull and his Dutch driver Max Verstappen at the Spanish Grand Prix, the third stage of the Formula One World Championship.

Hamilton won his 98th career win, his third this season, and his sixth in the Spanish ring, five of which were relegated, equalling German record holder Mikael Schumacher.

His Finnish colleague Valtteri Bottas was third, while Ferrari driver Charles Locklear arrived from Monaco fourth.

Hamilton strengthened his lead in the drivers' rankings with 94 points and came 14 points ahead of Verstappen, who raced to second place, the fastest lap after he entered the stands to supply tires after losing his lead.

Mercedes raised its points lead by manufacturers to 141 points in front of the Red Bull-Honda (112) and McLaren-Mercedes (65) teams.

The Spanish race was held in front of about, 000 viewers as a step to lift the country's emergency since last October.

The overseers of the Bahrain Grand Prix, the inaugural round of the World Championships, allowed some audiences to attend the Corona virus vaccine last March 28. The fifth phase will be held in Monaco from 20 to 23 this month in front of 7,500 viewers.