Chatting to his father Anthony
just before the Hungarian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton claimed he needed
to win the remaining 10 races to take the drivers' title for a second
time. Make that nine. And
if Hamilton can replicate this level of performance, there is no reason
why he won’t be in contention for the top step of the podium
consistently when Formula One returns in September after its summer
break.
Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso may have extended his lead over Red Bull’s Mark Webber at the top of the drivers’ standings, but Hamilton took a 15-point chunk out of the Spaniard’s advantage to move to within 47 points.
If he can continue to eat into
Alonso’s lead at anything like that rate then the championship picture
will take on a very different complexion. ‘To claw that gap back from
Fernando, we will need to finish ahead of him pretty much everywhere
which is going to be insanely difficult,’ he conceded.
‘I came here this weekend stronger than ever. I always come with the intention of winning but in my mind it was so set. I was really pumped.’
For McLaren and Hamilton, having to wait more than a month for the next race in Belgium is akin to a winning football team not wanting the half-time break. But nothing was going to dent Hamilton’s mood as he beamed through interviews about a weekend he dominated.
'It's quite nice to go into the break
knowing that we have a win,' said Hamilton. 'Every year that we’ve done
that it’s been a great feeling.
'It's very important how we manage the summer break. We should give ourselves a good pat on the back, but we must know that we’ve a lot of work to do.'
The benefits of the hard work to develop McLaren’s upgrade package are certainly starting to pay dividends.
After claiming pole by nearly half a
second, Hamilton got the dream start he had craved to steer clear of
the first lap tussling which cost him so dearly in Germany the Sunday
before.
After that, even if the drama was limited for the spectators, he still had to be on his mettle to make a two-stop strategy work — while fending off the very close attentions of Lotus duo Romain Grosjean and Kimi Raikkonen, the latter muscling past his team-mate to take second.
While Hamilton could not fault the calls made by his team, the same certainly could not be said for Jenson Button, who saw the decision to switch him from a two-stopper to a three blow what looked like a certain podium finish into a disappointing sixth place.
McLaren may have turned a corner, but their biggest issue remains making sure both their drivers have successful weekends.
This race was a case in point, as a good result was achievable with Red Bull and Ferrari struggling for pace.
‘I just don’t know why we pitted so early each time because the tyres were still in good condition,’ complained Button after finding himself stuck behind Bruno Senna of Williams and then Alonso.
‘I guess the team thought I would get
the jump on the car in front, but that wasn’t the case. I didn’t come
out in clean air either time.’
At least Button can seek solace in the fact that he has already agreed a new long-term contract. As for Hamilton, the summer break will feature negotiations over his McLaren future.
His father and former manager Anthony said: ‘McLaren is where Lewis’s heart is. What is really important in this life is loyalty. It is not all about the money.’
Even so, performances such as Hamilton’s in Hungary are one hell of bargaining chip.
Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso may have extended his lead over Red Bull’s Mark Webber at the top of the drivers’ standings, but Hamilton took a 15-point chunk out of the Spaniard’s advantage to move to within 47 points.
Champagne moment: Hamilton celebrates after winning his second grand prix of the season
Over the line: A storming display by Hamilton saw the Briton take the chequered flag ahead of Raikkonen
‘I came here this weekend stronger than ever. I always come with the intention of winning but in my mind it was so set. I was really pumped.’
For McLaren and Hamilton, having to wait more than a month for the next race in Belgium is akin to a winning football team not wanting the half-time break. But nothing was going to dent Hamilton’s mood as he beamed through interviews about a weekend he dominated.
Leading man: Lewis Hamilton led for the majority of the Hungarian Grand Prix in Budapest
'It's very important how we manage the summer break. We should give ourselves a good pat on the back, but we must know that we’ve a lot of work to do.'
The benefits of the hard work to develop McLaren’s upgrade package are certainly starting to pay dividends.
From the off: Hamilton sprung out of the traps from pole position and rarely looked out of control
After that, even if the drama was limited for the spectators, he still had to be on his mettle to make a two-stop strategy work — while fending off the very close attentions of Lotus duo Romain Grosjean and Kimi Raikkonen, the latter muscling past his team-mate to take second.
While Hamilton could not fault the calls made by his team, the same certainly could not be said for Jenson Button, who saw the decision to switch him from a two-stopper to a three blow what looked like a certain podium finish into a disappointing sixth place.
What Olympics? Crowds packed in to all the stands around the world famous Hungaroring
Step by step: Ferrari's Fernando Alonso came home fifth but extended his lead in the championship
This race was a case in point, as a good result was achievable with Red Bull and Ferrari struggling for pace.
‘I just don’t know why we pitted so early each time because the tyres were still in good condition,’ complained Button after finding himself stuck behind Bruno Senna of Williams and then Alonso.
Winner: Hamilton finished ahead of Raikkonen (left) and Grosjean in Budapest
Strong Finnish: Kimi Raikkonen from Finland came home second, just ahead of his team-mate
At least Button can seek solace in the fact that he has already agreed a new long-term contract. As for Hamilton, the summer break will feature negotiations over his McLaren future.
His father and former manager Anthony said: ‘McLaren is where Lewis’s heart is. What is really important in this life is loyalty. It is not all about the money.’
Even so, performances such as Hamilton’s in Hungary are one hell of bargaining chip.
Olympic support: Hamilton (left) and Button wore special helmets in Hungary
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