Lesson to Ferrari

time. While their drivers somehow contrived two podium finishes, the result was almost derailed by an error-strewn display in the garage.

First Kimi Raikkonen had to endure 70 laps in blazing Hungarian heat without proper fluid intake after mechanics failed to configure his incar water bottle correctly.

Then Vettel, needing a lightning pit stop to make the jump on Valtteri Bottas, smouldered in frustration in his box as a jack became stuck at the rear of the car. In those 4.2 seconds — twice as long as the Finn needed for his tyre change — any chance of challenging Hamilton evaporated.

It is a feature of the Hungaroring’s tight, twisting layout that overtakes are at a premium. Vettel knew, chasing Bottas, that he had to take the first chance that presented itself. But while cars can follow closely, passing becomes devilishly tricky in the dirty air generated behind cars that are wider and more powerful than ever.

So it proved for the German, who for 20 laps buzzed around Bottas’ rear wing like an angry wasp. It was to the Mercedes understudy’s credit that he held firm so long, discharging his primary duty of protecting Hamilton’s lead. Little wonder that team principal Toto Wolff heralded him as a “sensational wingman”.

“Wingman hurts,” was Bottas’ response.

“I don’t see any positive results in this race for me. I just ended up a mess with a broken car.”

Hamilton, by contrast, crossed the line a study in serenity. A fifth world crown, of which he dare not speak yet, is inching closer.

● New Zealand’s Brendon Hartley finished 11th, one place out of the points in his Toro Rosso.