Surtees: Hamilton more focused after row

Hamilton was thrust into the centre of a major scandal at the Hungaroring when teammate Fernando Alonso was punished for holding him up in the pits during qualifying.

But although Hamilton faced some criticism for ignoring team orders to pull over for Alonso earlier in the session, Surtees believes that the Briton has actually come out of the weekend much stronger in his title ambitions.

"Lewis Hamilton would have come away from Hungary with an even greater determination to get the job done," said Surtees.

"That superb win, coupled with an equally impressive practice and qualifying, was only spoilt by the team momentarily losing control, both in the pits and on the PR front - with the subsequent result being that it appeared as if they had left Lewis hanging out to dry."

In fact, rather than blame Hamilton for the turn of events, Surtees believes that Alonso was the one who acted incorrectly.

"I have always rated him very highly," said Surtees about the double world champion. "But what would appear obvious is that he values a position that is akin to a (designated) number one, and that his composure is very much disturbed by the threat of another team member out performing him.

"Whatever happened before, I was deeply concerned to see the very obvious delaying tactics which took place in the pits.  I was concerned not only for Lewis but also for the team and our sport, and also for Alonso as he won his championships on merit. I believe these actions show weakness rather than strength.

"It was obvious what Ron Dennis's thoughts were by the way he clasped the neck of Alonso's personal trainer and walked away with him. How he is going to continue to fit in with the stated equal car and support policy that McLaren Mercedes advocate we have yet to see."

Surtees thinks it vital that Alonso starts throwing his weight behind the team and Hamilton, especially with title rivals Ferrari appearing so strong.

"With the threat Ferrari will be on some of the circuits to come, a united team effort will be to the benefit of all. From Alonso's perspective I think he has treated Hamilton totally wrongly.

"By showing the petulance he has, he has shown weakness, whereas with his superb record and ability it would have been far more effective in countering the Hamilton threat in taking the high ground, complimenting Lewis on what he had done and then proceeded to channel all his energies to demonstrate what he can do on the track."

Surtees said he was also disappointed that Hamilton was accused of swearing over the radio during an exchange with Dennis over the qualifying incident.

"The resulting misreporting over language used I found disappointing, as here we have a young man who has presented himself off the track in an exemplary manner, communicating well and everything about him showing the pleasure that he gets from what he is doing: a role model for all.

"To try and bring it down to a level that is common place with our so called stars of the world of football is disappointing at the very least."

Looking ahead to the end of the championship, Surtees reckons that Hamilton could well have an edge because his rivals are still unsure about what he is capable of.

He also hopes that the title is decided on track rather than in the courts, with the FIA Court of Appeal due to rule on F1 spy saga next month.

"We have a championship poised with four very competitive drivers and two equally competitive teams, and three of those drivers will still be uncertain of quite who Lewis Hamilton is and what he is capable of. That makes for an interesting rest of the season as they find out.

"All I hope is that the championship is decided by the performance of the cars, teams and drivers on the track and not by court sessions inspired by the greed of what are basically one or two fringe would-be opportunists."