Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Matt Maltby

Lewis Hamilton edges Max Verstappen to win the Hungarian Grand Prix

A Mercedes masterstroke saw Lewis Hamilton stun Max Verstappen with three laps remaining to win an epic Hungarian Grand Prix. 

Red Bull driver Verstappen was en route to converting his maiden pole position into a second victory in a row before Mercedes rolled the dice - and it paid off.

With just three laps to go, five-time world champion Hamilton took advantage of Verstappen's woes and swooped ahead of the Dutchman to clinch his eighth victory of the season.

Hamilton celebrates his stunning win (REUTERS)

The strategy move by Formula One's all-conquering team proved inspired.

Hamilton left the pit lane 21 seconds behind Verstappen with 21 laps remaining, the Briton lighting up the time sheets before catching the back of Verstappen's Red Bull.

The world champion then made the move for victory stick around the outside of Verstappen on lap 67.

The Brit stormed to a seventh victory in Hungary (REUTERS)

Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel finished third ahead of his team-mate Charles Leclerc.

"I feel really grateful for the day and for the team for continuing to believe in me and for continuing to push the limits and to take a risk, a chance on me," said Hamilton.

"We've been together seven years and it always feels like a new win.

Max Verstappen had led for much of the race but suffered heartbreak (REUTERS)

"It was difficult to get by, the defence was great, and I didn't know if I could catch that 19-second gap. I just kept my head down, and each lap was like a qualifying lap.

"I know if Niki [Lauda] was here today, he would take his hat off."

Hamilton will now head into the summer break with a mammoth 61-point championship lead over Valtteri Bottas.

Hamilton was within one second of Verstappen when he was called in for a second pit stop - Mercedes hoping that a switch to fresh tyres would provide the British star with a chance to usurp Verstappen.
Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.