If you only skimmed through the headlines and saw that Lewis Hamilton won the Canadian Grand Prix, you would think it was simply business as usual.

Those that watched the race, though, and the ensuing antics of Sebastian Vettel afterwards, would know that they witnessed “one of Formula One’s most memorable meltdowns”.

That’s according to the Telegraph, with Vettel found guilty of a dangerous move that almost saw rival Hamilton crash into a wall.

The German was first over the line, but that didn’t mean the checkered flag was his:

“This is a wrong world,” he said, after a five-second time penalty deprived him of the win and instead handed Hamilton a record-equalling seventh triumph here in Montreal.

Truly, hell had no fury like a four-time world champion scorned. Not only did he rage at what he viewed as an unjust punishment, he returned to parc ferme and promptly swapped the numbers one and two around, in an attempt to convey that Hamilton’s glory was a hollow one.

When he was eventually persuaded to join the podium ceremony, he placed one foot on the top step with Hamilton.

Let’s start with the number swapping antics:

Sebastian Vettel swapping his and Lewis Hamilton’s placing cards at the Canadian Grand Prix after losing the race following a controversial penalty is the sort of pettiness we can all get behind.

pic.twitter.com/4CDO9dGCTt

— HLTCO (@HLTCO) June 9, 2019

Vettel’s frustration stems from the fact that he dominated the race for the large majority of the day, but could never recover from the five-second penalty.

Here’s the incident that led to the penalty, which took place at the first chicane:

Vettel raged from the moment he was hit with the penalty, but things really went pear-shaped when he crossed the finish line:

Crossing the line fully aware that Hamilton had snatched the win, and that his remarks were being broadcast to millions, he erupted furiously at the decision. “No, no, no, not like that,” he shouted. “You need to be an absolute blind man not to see that I couldn’t do anything.”

Vettel was still not finished, refusing to stop for the usual post-race interviews and instead bounding straight up to the stewards’ office to continue his rant. If any people imagined that their explanation would placate him, they would be sorely mistaken…

In the podium interviews, Vettel, pointing to the tens of thousands of Ferrari disciples, provocatively said: “Ask the people what they think.” They duly barracked Hamilton with no mercy, a reaction that clearly hurt him. “I didn’t make the decision,” he said, testily…

Even Hamilton, who now holds a 29-point lead in the standings, reflected: “It’s a bit of an empty feeling.” It was doubly empty for the man he so controversially vanquished.

Gotta love a bit of drama.

Here’s the full driver’s championship table as things stand after the Canadian Grand Prix. The ‘W’ stands for wins:

[source:telegraph]