After Hungary Grand Prix win, Hamilton says he never lost faith

London, July 28 (ANI): Ending a nine-month victory drought in crushing fashion in Hungary on Sunday, former Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton has said that he never lost faith in his ability to be a winner.

Hamilton revealed he never gave up hope as he tried to cope with the toughest time of his career - on and off the track.

"The great thing is the team never lost faith in me and I never lost faith in the team. We went in the wrong direction at some point this year but I knew eventually they would be able to do it. It was just whether or not it would be with this car or not," The Sun quoted 24-year-old Hamilton, as saying.

"The team needed a podium and we went better and got on to the top step.It reminded me of the joy I get from F1 and winning.

Being able to have the car to push and enjoy is one thing. But then to be leading the race, for once this season, felt amazing," he added.

"When I am in the lead of a race I feel most at one with myself and most in control of all the parameters around me. That's when I feel the best," he said.

McLaren boffins have struggled to make the MP4-24 competitive all year.

The car lacked down force and was over two seconds off the pace especially on the faster tracks like Turkey where, embarrassingly, they were slower than minnows Force India who were also powered by Mercedes engines.

But the Woking-based outfit finally went in the right direction with their latest five million pound aerodynamic upgrade. The tight Hungaroring track also suited the car - as will the Valencia Street in the next race, the European Grand Prix on August 23. (ANI)