His No. 22 McLaren Mercedes crossed the finish line more than one minute ahead of BMW's Nick Heidfeld.

It made Hamilton a three-time winner this season and was the seventh win in his F1 career.

He was leading Heidfeld and McLaren Mercedes teammate Heikki Kovalainen with 23 laps remaining when heavy rains made it difficult for drivers to keep their cars on the track.

"It was so extreme out there," Hamilton said. "It was one of the toughest races I have ever done (and) this is by far the best victory I have ever had."

Rubens Barrichello (Honda), Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari) and Kovalainen completed the top-five finishers.

In the F1 standings, Hamilton is joined by Raikkonen and Felipe Massa in a three-way tie for the top spot with 48 points.