Dominant Hamilton claims Hungarian GP win

Lewis Hamilton has assumed the lead in the world championship after recording a commanding victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

The Mercedes driver prevailed in a race long battle with his team-mate Nico Rosberg.

Hamilton converted his front row grid slot into the lead amid a fierce challenge from both Rosberg and Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo on the opening lap.

However, once he settled into his rhythm, Hamilton opened up a gap on Rosberg which he maintained to the chequered flag, while Ricciardo finished third.

Rosberg was able to make in roads on Hamilton’s lead in the final laps as the pair navigated lapped traffic, but it wasn’t enough to challenge his team-mate.

Hamilton’s fifth victory of the season has seen him open up a six point lead in the championship standings.

As the Mercedes pair duelled for the win, Ricciardo produced an impressive drive to claim the final place on the podium.

The Australian challenged the Mercedes pair in the early laps which saw him briefly take second spot on the opening lap, before losing out to Rosberg.

Ricciardo maintained a strong pace throughout until the final laps when he came under pressure from a charging Sebastian Vettel.

While Vettel finished fourth, Ferrari team-mate Kimi Raikkonen was left frustrated in sixth behind Max Verstappen (Red Bull).

A slick pit strategy, that saw Raikkonen run a long first stint, allowed him to climb from 14th on the grid to join the front runners.

However, the Finn’s progress came to a halt when he came across Verstappen, who was unable to match the pace produced by his team-mate.

The pair were locked in a thrilling scrap which saw Raikkonen make contact with the rear of the Red Bull as the Dutchman appeared to change direction in the braking area.

McLaren’s Fernando Alonso endured a lonely race to finish seventh ahead of Carlos Sainz (Toro Rosso), Valtteri Bottas (Williams) and Nico Hulkenberg (Force India).

Sergio Perez just missed out on points in 11th while Renault’s Jolyon Palmer finished 12th after a spin late on saw him drop out of the top 10.

Jenson Button was the only retirement after encountering a mechanical issue early in the race.

The McLaren driver continued but was handed a drive-through penalty for unauthorised radio communications.

The Brit finally succumbed to the issue midway through the race.

Result: Formula 1 Hungarian Grand Prix

Championship Standings