Hamilton finally manages a win in Mercedes car

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Shanghai Daily, July 29, 2013
Adjust font size:

Lewis Hamilton won the Hungarian Grand Prix from pole position yesterday to clinch his first victory of a frustrating season.

Kimi Raikkonen was second after holding off a strong late challenge from Sebastian Vettel, who was third ahead of Red Bull teammate Mark Webber.

Hamilton's first year with Mercedes has been tricky, and he came into the race with low expectations of victory despite securing his fourth pole this season.

"This is probably one of the most important grand prix wins of my career," Hamilton said.

"The guys have done an exceptional job, I really couldn't be happier. I hope there are many more to come."

He managed his tires wisely to get the 22nd GP win of his career and the first since the United States GP last November. Prior to Hungary, he had been third three times. Hamilton remains fourth overall but likely too far behind to mount a serious title challenge as the season takes its mid-season summer break. Leader Vettel has 172 points, 38 clear of Raikkonen and 39 ahead of Ferrari driver Fernando Alonso. Hamilton has 124, some 48 points adrift of Vettel.

As he approached the finish line, Hamilton waved. After he won, he kissed his Mercedes and then hugged team boss Ross Brawn. When he raised the winner's trophy, Hamilton looked emotional as he pointed to members of his team to share the moment with them.

During the race, the British driver was in no mood for compromise, barking back at an engineer over the race radio, "Hey man, I'm trying to drive here. I'm happy with the way the car is" when he received some advice inside the last 10 laps.

His teammate Nico Rosberg, who had split the past four GP wins with Vettel, had to abandon right near the end with flames billowing from the back of his car. He was unhurt.

Vettel has four wins overall, having won at the German GP three weeks ago. He tried desperately to get past Raikkonen and they almost collided on the penultimate lap as the Finn blocked his move. Romain Grosjean started third and finished sixth in an eventful race for the Frenchman. Rosberg started fourth ahead of the Ferrari of Alonso, who has not won since the Spanish GP in May.

Print E-mail Bookmark and Share

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)

No comments.

Add your comments...

  • User Name Required
  • Your Comment
  • Enter the words you see:   
    Racist, abusive and off-topic comments may be removed by the moderator.
Send your storiesGet more from China.org.cnMobileRSSNewsletter