Hamilton thrilled to hit front in title race after masterful Hungarian Grand Prix success

Lewis Hamilton has described his dramatic crash with Nico Rosberg at the Spanish Grand Prix as the turning point in his season after moving six points clear of his Mercedes team-mate with yesterday’s record-breaking victory in Hungary.

The defending champion leads the Formula One championship for the first time this season after he beat pole-sitter Rosberg on the long run down to turn one on the opening lap, and from there controlled the race.

It was a masterful victory from Hamilton, and one which never appeared in doubt after arguably his best start of the season.

He has now won at the Hung aro ring on more occasions–five times–than any other driver in the sport’s history.

Hamilton was 43 points behind Rosberg after they collided on the opening lap at the Barcelona race in May, but after winning five of the six ensuing grands prix, Hamilton will head to Germany next week – the final round before the summer break – in charge of the title race.

“I think Spain was definitely a turning point,” said Hamilton.

“It didn’t feel like it was, but it was rock bottom. The only way was up. I just managed to get my head together and get on with it.

“Since Spain we’ve pulled together, and I’ d love to come out of the next race with a result like this.”

Rosberg was second, with Daniel Ricciardo third and Sebastian Vettel fourth for Ferrari.

Max Verstappen held off Ki mi Raikkonen to finish in fifth place.