Hamilton Hungary for championship lead
BUDAPEST: Lewis Hamilton aims to continue his momentum from the British home race at Sunday’s Hungary Grand Prix in order to snatch the Formula One championship lead from Sebastian Vettel for the first time in the season.
Mercedes driver Hamilton could set the stage for a possible sixth victory on the 4,381-kilometre Hungaroring tomorrow by drawing level with Michael Schumacher on a record 68 pole positions.
Hamilton moved within one point of Ferrari’s Vettel with victory in Silverstone on July 16 and moving ahead at the start of the second half of the 20-race season and heading into a four-week summer break would be a big confidence booster for the Briton.
“This result really opens up the championship - and we go to Hungary next, where I’ve always gone well,” Hamilton said.
“Without a doubt we hope it stays the way that it’s swung this time but, as you know, a pendulum swings. We’re just hoping that we can be on our toes to react to whatever is thrown at us in the next races.”
Mercedes motorsport chief Toto Wolff had a similarly cautious approach regarding Hamilton.
“The win in front of his home crowd was emotionally charged and I am sure he is carrying that energy with him right now. As we see almost each weekend, he is equalling and matching new records in our sport’s history - and building a legacy as one of the sport’s greatest drivers,” Wolff said.
“Budapest has always been a good circuit for him but, as he knows better than anybody else, the past is no guarantee of future performance. It’s all about the right preparation, hard work and delivering on the day.”
While Mercedes delighted in Hamilton’s win ahead of teammate Valtteri Bottas, Ferrari have to pick up the pieces after Kimi Raikkonen had to settle for third and Vettel for seventh after they both suffered late punctures.
“There is no reason for panic but we have to be careful,” Vettel said.
Vettel finished first or second in the first six races before missing the podium in three of the following winless four.
Vettel won in Hungary two years ago and will hope that the trend continues that no driver wins two races in a row this season.
— dpa