Tensions rise between Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg as Briton hits title summit with record-breaking victory at Hungarian Grand Prix
Tensions sizzled between rivals Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg after the Briton claimed a record-breaking fifth victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix to hit the summit of the drivers’ championship for the first time this season.
Reigning champion Hamilton is now six points clear of Mercedes team-mate Rosberg at the top of the standings, having overtaken the German pole-sitter early in proceedings and surpassed Michael Schumacher's tally of four wins in Budapest.
The post-match row centred on Rosberg’s pole lap the previous day when he survived a steward’s investigation for failing to slow through double yellow flags, while Hamilton had earlier reduced speed substantially following Fernando Alonso’s spin.
“For the whole 23 years of racing, for the double yellow flags it has meant be prepared to stop,” said Hamilton, who has now won five of the last six races. “Nico was doing the same speed at the apex as I was doing on the previous timed lap.
“It’s a concern. Going into the next race, we could be going for pole position through double yellow flags and now we know we only have to do a small lift and lose one tenth of a second, go purple through the sector, and we’ll be fine.”
An unimpressed Rosberg retorted: “Thank you for that statement. What you have to do under double yellows is significantly reduce your speed. I went 20 km/h slower, which is a different world in a Formula One car.
“I significantly reduced my speed and for the stewards that was completely acceptable. It was very, very clear what I did.”
Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo briefly threatened Hamilton and second-placed Rosberg only for his challenge to fade. The Australian had to be content with beating Sebastian Vettel to third place, while team-mate Max Verstappen came fifth.