• Japanese Grand Prix

Hamilton bemoans 'shocking race'

Lewis Hamilton ran second early in the race before having his progress halted by a puncture © Sutton Images

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• Report:
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• Race:
• Japanese Grand Prix

• Championship:
• FIA Formula One World Championship

• Drivers:
• Lewis Hamilton

• Teams:
• McLaren

Lewis Hamilton said that he had "a bit of a shocking race" as he finished fifth in the Japanese Grand Prix.

Hamilton made a solid start from third on the grid and managed to pass Jenson Button in to turn one after Sebastian Vettel pushed Button on to the grass. A puncture shortened Hamilton's first stint, however, and then he once again made contact with Felipe Massa. He told the BBC that his own race was poor because he had no grip, but congratulated his team-mate on his victory.

"A bit of a shocking race to be honest, but Jenson did a fantastic job and it was great for the team points. And obviously congratulations to Sebastian: we knew that was going to happen but it was a bit of a perfect season for him, so I've just got to keep my head up, keep going and not give up. Hopefully in the next race we'll have another chance.

"I think we have [got a quicker car], Jenson's just shown that today with a remarkable race. So my job and my hope is to try and pick up some pace from somewhere. I was just struggling, I just didn't have any grip; I was gobsmacked to be honest but that's the way it goes and we'll work as hard as we can to try and pick up the pace."

Hamilton also apportioned the clash with Massa to an inability to see the Ferrari in his wing mirrors.

"The only thing I have to say is that I can't see anything in my mirrors; they vibrate so much down the straight and I had no idea he was there so maybe that's something we can fix and then I won't have [any] problems with him."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.