• European Grand Prix

Hamilton hails 'positive result' in Valencia

Lewis Hamilton challenges for the lead at the start © Getty Images

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• Article:
• Button upbeat heading to Silverstone
  
• Report:
• Vettel holds off Hamilton for victory
  

• Race:
• European Grand Prix

• Championship:
• FIA Formula One World Championship

• Drivers:
• Lewis Hamilton

• Teams:
• McLaren

Lewis Hamilton said it was a 'very positive result' to still be leading the drivers' standings after finishing second in the European Grand Prix.

Hamilton recovered from serving a stop go penalty for overtaking the safety car to finish just seven seconds behind race winner Sebastian Vettel. In doing so, Hamilton maintained his championship lead, six points ahead of team-mate Jenson Button.

"I think it is just very, very positive to be leading the world championships," said Hamilton. "Both myself and Jenson we have been working so hard all year and the results show the effort that everyone is putting in.

"It's great getting the results we deserve. Hopefully we can close the gap on Red Bull and hopefully really challenge them."

Hamilton, who was penalised for overtaking the safety car before the line, said he did not realise his mistake at the time.

"I don't really know. As I was coming around Turn 1 I saw the safety car line. I saw the safety car was alongside me and I thought I had passed it so I continued and that was it."

Hamilton also had to overcome damage to his front wing after he made contact with Vettel in challenging for the lead into the first corner.

"I was clearly past Mark so I didn't see where he was. I came through Turn 1 and I was very close to Seb, and saw the gap available and went for it. I outbraked him and we went into the corner at the same pace.

"I was halfway down the inside. He gave me room but we touched and broke my front wing. I came in with the safety car and team did a great job to change the wing and tyres. After that the pace was much stronger, I was able to push him, but it was impossible to pass at this track when the cars are within one second, even with the F-duct."

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