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 Balogh

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.

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.

“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.

“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.

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.