Hamilton back on top

Jul 26 2009

Lewis Hamilton was back on top of the podium after claiming his first victory since October's Chinese Grand Prix.

The world champion took the chequered flag in a Hungarian Grand Prix overshadowed by Felipe Massa's accident in qualifying on Saturday that left the Brazilian in hospital with a fractured skull.

The victory was Hamilton's 10th for McLaren from 45 starts, with the 24-year-old finally back in business after a first half of the season to forget.

Behind the Briton, Kimi Raikkonen gave Ferrari something to cheer about it as he finished second, although he could yet be stripped of that position following a first corner collision with Sebastian Vettel. Red Bull Racing's Mark Webber finished third, closing the gap at the top of the championship standings to 18.5 points on Jenson Button who could only manage a season-low seventh in his Brawn GP.

The atmosphere at the circuit was naturally subdued, and it was clear everybody's thoughts were with Massa, notably in the Ferrari garage. Remarkably, what followed on lap 13 following Alonso's first pit stop was almost beyond comprehension.

Starting from his first pole since the Italian Grand Prix in 2007, Alonso comfortably led the field away from the lights and for those initial 12 laps. But on exiting the pit lane it was abundantly clear the double world champion had an issue with his right front wheel.

Within seconds, and as he slipped backwards through the field, Alonso initially lost the wheel cover. But more horrifyingly, and as he continued to tour around the track, the tyre eventually worked its way loose off the rim. It then bounced across the circuit and into a barrier before coming to rest along the side of the circuit.

Mercifully, no-one was injured, and although Alonso eventually made his way back to the pits for another tyre change, the wheel issue was too acute and he retired after 16 laps.

As if that was not enough drama, Webber later came within inches of colliding with Raikkonen as he emerged onto the pit lane after they had both stopped for fuel and fresh rubber for the first time.

Running second and third at the time behind Hamilton who had taken up the lead in the wake of Alonso's torment, an issue momentarily delayed Webber, culminating in the near miss and him trading places with Raikkonen. From that moment it was a straightforward run to the finish for the leading trio, although there are question marks over Raikkonen's second place.