Lewis Hamilton stunned by speed of 2016 F1 title battle turnaround

Emerging from the debacle of their intra-team wipeout in the Spanish Grand Prix, Hamilton trailed Rosberg by 43 points, a deficit built up through the latter's four successive wins to open the season.

Just two grands prix later, and following back-to-back victories for Hamilton and poor results for Rosberg, the gap has been slashed to just nine points and it is game on again for the title.

Asked by Autosport whether he was surprised at the speed at which the gap has closed, Hamilton replied: "Yeah, absolutely. I could never have predicted that.

"If I'd wanted to have put money down, I'd have been a fool for trying to predict that.

"I thought Monaco - in terms of difference of position [with Rosberg seventh] - might have been a one-off, a fluke, but the race was a very strong race.

"In Canada, the start was unfortunate, and ultimately that sucks because we started one-two and finished one-five.

"But you know Nico's going to continue to push, I'm going to continue to push - I feel great in the car for as long as it stays together, so I don't see that strength diminishing."

Crucially for Hamilton, following a torrid run of incidents and bad luck up to and including Spain, momentum has finally swung his way.

"I'm sure my mechanics feel that [momentum change] because after the first five you could tell they were down, but seeing them right now they feel great," added Hamilton.

"This is what they work for, and to have these wins it's their life - it's our life. It's what we go to bed dreaming of, that we'll have a day like this.

"When we all do our job perfectly, it's like the icing on the top of the cake when you get the win.

"On our side of the garage we are obviously starting to show real strength, and starting to come through with the results, which is really warming and confidence building for everyone."

While Hamilton may have the momentum, he is aware of potential difficulties further down the line as his car has already used four turbochargers and MGU-Hs this season, with five the maximum before grid penalties are applied.

"I know beyond the break at some stage I'm going to have to take a sixth engine," assessed Hamilton.

"I know I still have that joker to come along and play an integral part over a race weekend.

"If I'm really lucky and I look after the engine - and I looked after it well in the race in Montreal - then hopefully I won't have to do that."

LEADING CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS