• Chinese Grand Prix
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Grid penalty prevented shot at victory - Hamilton

ESPNF1 Staff
April 15, 2012 « Kobayashi perplexed by poor start | Fourth 'wasn't the maximum' - Webber »
Lewis Hamilton: "I'd love to have been able to challenge Nico" © Getty Images
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Lewis Hamilton thinks he could have had a shot at victory at the Chinese Grand Prix had it not been for his five-place grid penalty.

Hamilton qualified second but had to start from seventh after McLaren changed his car's gearbox on Saturday morning. He managed to fight his way back to third place by the end of the race, but had to deal with traffic on a track where it was difficult to pass.

"It was a tough race: I'd love to have been able to challenge Nico, and I think maybe I'd have been able to if I'd started on the front row, but we still managed to move forwards from the start I had a lot of fun overtaking people too," he said. "I reckon I got everything out of the car that I possibly could.

"It's also a major positive to know that we've got a very consistent car. We just have to make sure we keep moving forwards, that's all. Mercedes AMG, Red Bull, Ferrari, Lotus and Sauber are all up there - that's a serious championship and it's going to make for great racing for the fans to watch.

Hamilton now leads the drivers' championship by two points from team-mate Jenson Button but has yet to win a race.

"It's been a while since I was at the top of the drivers' world championship - but we've got to remain focused," he added. "I think if I just continue to work as I am then the wins will surely come, and I'll keep pushing for some better results in the future."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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