Resurgent Hamilton calls for McLaren to push on

Published on Monday 27 July 2009 11:55

LEWIS HAMILTON has urged his McLaren team to take no respite after rediscovering the winning habit in yesterday's Hungarian Grand Prix.

The race at the Hungaroring was undoubtedly overshadowed by Felipe Massa's absence following his freak accident in qualifying, which was respectfully noted by Hamilton despite his success.

There could be no disguising his delight at a long-overdue win, though, after a previously wretched season in an uncompetitive car, with his last victory nine months ago in China.

McLaren have clearly rediscovered the winning formula again, with world champion Hamilton taking the chequered flag for the tenth time of his 45-race career.

Martin Whitmarsh, who joined Hamilton on the podium for the first time as team principal, has confirmed a further upgrade will be on the car for the European Grand Prix in Valencia in four weeks.

"It is important we just continue to push," remarked Hamilton, who was never troubled after inheriting the lead from Fernando Alonso on lap 13 of the 70-lap race at the Hungaroring.

Kimi Raikkonen claimed the second spot for Ferrari, with stewards dismissing as racing incidents his clashes with Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel on the opening lap that prompted an investigation after the race.

The stewards also did nothing other than issue a reprimand to Red Bull Racing after an unsafe release from the pits of Mark Webber as the Australian almost collided with Raikkonen after the first round of stops.

Webber went on to finish third to take up second in the standings behind leader Jenson Button, closing the gap to 18.5 points as the Briton finished seventh, his lowest placing of the season.

In a busy post-race session for the stewards, they handed Renault a suspension for the European race after the tyre loss suffered by Alonso after it worked free and bounced across the track on lap 13. As the team had not properly secured it to the wheel, Renault were found guilty of compromising safety, although the team will appeal.