Having dropped to final with a delayed change from intermediates to slicks on the race restart, Hamilton was lapping virtually 4 seconds sooner than the leaders after making his third and ultimate cease, giving him an opportunity to struggle for a ninth Hungarian Grand Prix win.
However Hamilton’s cost was halted when he closed up on Alpine driver Alonso for fourth place, the Spaniard efficiently managing to maintain the Mercedes at bay for 10 laps and play a vital position in team-mate Esteban Ocon’s eventual victory.
Alonso managed to put his automobile completely on the exit of Flip 2 for quite a few laps to cease Hamilton getting the cutback for Flip 3 or a run into Flip 4, irritating the Briton.
Hamilton complained about certainly one of Alonso’s aggressive strikes over the radio, however the stewards didn’t see a have to take any motion.
PLUS: The “heart-breaking” call that led to Ocon’s Hungarian GP triumph
Writing in his common post-race column, F1 managing director for motorsport Brawn lauded the “battle royale” between Hamilton and Alonso – who boast a mixed 9 world championships – and stated he noticed nothing flawed within the defensive strikes.
“I’m glad Fernando gained Driver of the Day, as a result of I need to give him my vote as nicely,” Brawn stated.
“It was an amazing efficiency. One of many Alpine drivers was going to get this award and it in all probability swung from Esteban to Fernando with that battle.
“What you see when Fernando is concerned in F1 are extremely robust battles, however you all the time know he’s going to be honest.
Fernando Alonso, Alpine A521, Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes W12
Photograph by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images
“I do know Lewis was moaning a bit at one stage about Fernando’s defence, however I didn’t suppose it was an issue. Fernando was robust and honest and all the time gave nearly sufficient area, which is what it’s important to do.
“It was a superb battle and hopefully a style of what’s to return within the second half of the season.”
Hamilton solely managed to overhaul Alonso when the Alpine driver made a small mistake into Flip 1, however then rapidly charged previous Carlos Sainz Jr forward to take third on-track, which turned second within the ultimate outcomes after Sebastian Vettel’s disqualification.
Perception: Why Vettel’s fuel sample failure happened and what comes next
Reflecting on the battle after the race, Hamilton stated that it had been “wonderful”, however felt Alonso had pushed the restrict of what was honest.
“It actually, actually was improbable,” Hamilton stated. “I want the vehicles might comply with nearer and [I’m] excited for what the vehicles are like subsequent yr. Hopefully that eradicates a number of that dangerous drafting that we now have right here.
“It’s a extremely troublesome circuit to overhaul on generally, and to comply with, notably in that final sector, however nice, nice wheel-to-wheel battles.
“It actually was wheel-to-wheel at the least as soon as. I don’t actually have way more to say about it.
“If you’re racing in opposition to a two-time world champion, he in all probability is likely one of the hardest drivers, however honest. I’d say right now was somewhat bit on the restrict.”