F1 driver Lewis Hamilton sprays Russian President Vladimir Putin with champagne

Lewis Hamilton has flirted with danger in Russia by spraying the country's President Vladimir Putin with champagne.

The defending two-time Formula One world champion claimed his ninth win of the season and 42nd of his career by cruising to a commanding victory in the Sochi GP.

It gives Mercedes an unassailable lead in the constructors championship and means the Briton can clinch another world title in the next race in the United States on October 25.

But in celebrating the triumph, Hamilton seemingly flirted with danger by spraying champagne over Putin.

The President had just handed Hamilton his winner's trophy and was exiting the stage when Hamilton leapt from the dais, popped a magnum and began spraying fans. Putin was inadvertently caught in the crossfire and the internet was quick to react.

Australia's Daniel Ricciardo finished 15th in the race.