Mercedes "always make it difficult" after strategy gaffe costs win - Hamilton

Lewis Hamilton quipped Mercedes "always make it difficult for ourselves" after a strategic gaffe cost the British driver his 100th F1 victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Hamilton led after a lap one red flag period caused by team-mate Valtteri Bottas in damp conditions.

Upon the restart, Hamilton was the only driver not to pit for dry tyres and on intermediates lined up on the grid alone. His stop one lap later dropped the Mercedes driver to the back of the field.

The resurgence was masterful, however, with Hamilton climbing back to finish third.

"First of all, congratulations to Alpine and Ocon. He has been a shining star for some time so it has been a long time coming and I am really, really happy for him," said Hamilton.

"Great to see Aston Martin up there, their best result and there is more to come.

"Otherwise, we have had an amazing crowd this weekend. Today was definitely tough, we always make it difficult for ourselves.

"Crazy to think we were the only ones on the grid at the start but these things happen and we learn from them. I gave it everything and I had nothing left at the end.

"I was telling the team how the track was through the lap but they said the rain was coming when we got in the car so I thought they had other information. I saw everyone diving in. Anyways."

Asked for his thoughts on taking the championship lead into the summer break, Hamilton replied: "Yeah, we came here this weekend, definitely didn't know how it was going to go and considering the circumstances today, I will take it."

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