Victorious Lewis Hamilton in a ‘different dimension’ says Toto Wolff

Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton celebrates on the podium after winning the Hungarian Formula One Grand Prix. Picture: AP/Laszlo BaloghMercedes' Lewis Hamilton celebrates on the podium after winning the Hungarian Formula One Grand Prix. Picture: AP/Laszlo Balogh
Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton celebrates on the podium after winning the Hungarian Formula One Grand Prix. Picture: AP/Laszlo Balogh
Lewis Hamilton’s stunning drive to victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix “was of a different dimension”, his Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said last night.

The five-time world champion will head into Formula One’s summer break with a mammoth 62-point lead in the championship after he hunted down Max Verstappen before passing the Red Bull star in the closing stages of a captivating race. The duo, Formula One’s current standout performers, were in a class of two as they diced for the win during 70 laps of compelling action at the Hungaroring.

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Hamilton ran off the road twice in his charge for glory before Mercedes rolled the strategy dice.

The Briton was called in for a second time, allowing him to end the race on superior tyres to Verstappen. The challenge, laid down by Mercedes, was for Hamilton to wipe out Verstappen’s 21-second lead in just 21 laps.

It seemed improbable – Hamilton himself questioned the call on the radio – but he turned in a catalogue of spellbinding laps to catch and then fly round the outside of Verstappen at the opening corner with just three laps left.

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“Lewis’ driving today was of a different dimension,” said Mercedes team principal Wolff.

“In order to dominate an era a team needs to work together on a journey towards creating something special.

“It doesn’t happen without every member of the team delivering, but it certainly doesn’t happen without the right guy driving.

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“At first it did not seem possible, but as soon as Lewis sniffed the position there was no holding back. It was an unbelievable drive.”

It was a brilliant response from Hamilton just seven days on from his Hockenheim horror show.

He made two mistakes during the rain-hit German race, crashing out from the lead before asking to retire the car. He finished in 11th.

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Here, he was back at his remarkable best, taking his 81st victory to move to within 10 of Michael Schumacher’s all-time record. A sixth world championship is almost certain to follow this year.

Hamilton said: “It felt like a big gamble for us. It was a bold, risky strategy call from them. From me, it was just about doing the job. I just had to do the laps. Collectively, it was exceptional by the team.”

Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel completed the podium places after he fought his way past team-mate Charl Leclerc in the closing stages.

Carlos Sainz was fifth for McLaren, but British teenager Lando Norris finished a disappointing ninth after a slow pit stop.