Lewis Hamilton was handed a dramatic victory in Bahrain after a cruel engine problem denied Ferrari's Charles Leclerc a maiden win.
Leclerc, in just his second race for Ferrari, was on course to become the third-youngest winner in Formula One history following a commanding drive.
But with just nine laps to run, Hamilton took advantage of the Ferrari's lack of speed to sail past the young Monegasque and take an unlikely win, the first of his championship defence.
Valtteri Bottas was also the fortunate recipient of Leclerc's demise to steal second place, and secure an improbable one-two for Mercedes.
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And Hamilton commiserated Leclerc after taking advantage of his engine woes to claim victory in fortunate circumstances.
"You have to take it as it comes," said Hamilton.
"This is a great result for the team, but this guy here [Leclerc] has got wins in him. Congratulations to him.
"I had to go and see Charles because he did such a great job.
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"I'm sure it was a devastating result for him because he'd done the job to win. We were lucky. This guy has a lot of race wins coming in the future."
Bottas, who won in Melbourne a fortnight ago, retains his lead in the championship by one point.
Leclerc took the chequered flag in third as the race ended under a safety car after Daniel Ricciardo's Renault engine failed.
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Leclerc said: "It happens and it is part of motorsport. Unfortunately today was not our day.
”I am extremely disappointed. We have been lucky because the safety car came out at the end, but it is hard to take. I am sure we will come back stronger."
Sebastian Vettel finished only fifth after he dramatically spun while duelling for second with Hamilton. It marked yet another error for the German after a series of mistakes blighted his title challenge last year.
