Hamilton praises McLaren staff after win

Hamilton, who visited the factory for a technical debrief following his Hungarian Grand Prix victory, described the win as "payback" for the hard work that has gone into making the McLaren MP4-24 into a winner.

"This has been an incredibly difficult season for all of us, but Sunday's result is payback for all your time, effort, energy and passion," said Hamilton. "I wanted to come here and thank you for that."

"At the start of the season, we were barely competitive, but the amount of work that every single one of you put into transforming our fortunes has been incredible.

"I've always said it: Vodafone McLaren Mercedes is a team of winners. And the most amazing thing about this team is its fighting spirit: you never give up. So when I get into the car, I know all the effort that has gone into getting us to this point, and it makes me want to push even harder to repay you."

Hamilton added that the Hungarian victory was testament to the round-the-clock effort put in by the staff at McLaren's Woking headquarters.

"Winning on Sunday was our victory," he said. "The work that you've done this season has been incredible, I have never seen this place so intensely busy and productive.

"And the result in Hungary showed that there is definitely light at the end of the tunnel, and that makes the job easier and more satisfying for everyone. You have all been amazing and I hope you are as proud of this win as I am."