Lewis Hamilton struggle to contain his delight as he took the chequered flag to win the German Grand Prix.

Hamilton champion had looked well off the pace during both of Friday’s practice sessions, but after an immaculate qualifying lap that put him on the front row behind Red Bull’s Mark Webber, the 2008 champion took the lead off the line and emerged from a tight three way tussle with the Australian and Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso to take one of the finest wins of his career.

“Great job guys, great job. Keep pushing, these are the results we can get, it’s amazing.” Hamilton said over the team radio as he celebrated his win.

In contrast, championship leader Sebastian Vettel had a bad day at the office as he struggled to fourth place, although he was able to pass Felipe Massa in the pits in the closing laps to give him something to smile about on an otherwise disappointing weekend.

Vettel’s lead at the top of the drivers’ standings was cut down to 77 points reigniting hopes the championship race could still be alive despite the German picking up six wins in the first eight races.

“That was one of the best starts we’ve had for a long time, and it’s made a real difference. I positioned my car in the perfect way, I was able to keep the guys behind.” – Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton, who moved into 3^rd place in the drivers’ standings after his win, echoed that sentiment, insisting that McLaren had found the pace to beat Red Bull and Ferrari.

“I don’t think it’s just the conditions (that were responsible for McLaren’s race pace)” said a visibly moved Hamilton.

“Mark, me and Fernando were all within one tenth of a second of each other lap after lap. The race was about real perfection and about not making mistakes,” he added.

The 26-year-old also admitted he took pleasure in the manoeuvre that saw him pass Alonso on his way to victory, and credited his quick start that saw him take the race lead with setting the foundations of his win.

Speaking about the move on Alonso at turn two, Hamilton said: “It felt great – and it’s good to get some positive comments on my driving. It was a difficult decision, but I had the grip and he didn’t get on the power as I thought he would have.”

“That was one of the best starts we’ve had for a long time, and it’s made a real difference. I positioned my car in the perfect way, I was able to keep the guys behind.”

Hamilton now sits 82 points behind Vettel with nine races remaining, while Mark Webber’s third place finish moved him to within 77 points of him team-mate.

You can  follow us on Twitter and Facebook and for the latest news in reaction to the German Grand Prix.

You can also check out the latest editions of our regular features such as Tweeting Around The Circuit as well as our look at classic German Grand Prix moments, including a punch-up involving an irate Nelson Piquet!

Related posts: