Lewis Hamilton is still "buzzing" from his victory at the British Grand Prix, and has vowed to continue his championship charge in Hungary on Sunday.
The defending world champion moved to within one point of his Mercedes-GP teammate Nico Rosberg after triumphing in front of 140,000 fans at Silverstone.
Hamilton’s victory was his third in a row at his home grand prix, and fourth in the five races since he and Rosberg crashed out on the opening lap of the Spanish Grand Prix.
“It’s a wonderful feeling, winning in front of your home fans,” said Hamilton, who celebrated his victory by crowd-surfing with the British supporters.
“I’m still buzzing from it now and looking forward to carrying those positive vibes into the next race weekend.
“Ever since the low of Barcelona I’ve been able to cultivate this really strong mental attitude and I’m really feeling that fire inside me right now.
“Of course, I have good days and bad days like everyone else, but whatever the case, I’m able to turn negatives into positives when it counts, and I’m feeling fresh, feeling powerful and feeling confident heading to Hungary.”
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Hamilton can become the most successful Formula One driver in Budapest should he win for a fifth time on Sunday.
But the 31-year-old has struggled at the Hungaroring in recent years. In 2014, his car caught fire in qualifying, while last year he finished only sixth after an error-strewn display.
Indeed the Hungarian Grand Prix remains the only track on the current calendar where Mercedes, Formula One’s all-conquering team, have failed to win since the start of their dominant run in 2014.
Hamilton added: “It’s a track that for some reason has always suited my style and I have incredible support there, so I can’t wait to get out on track.
“The past couple of years I haven’t had the smoothest weekends in Budapest, of course. But I know I’ve got the pace, so I’m gunning to turn that around this time.”
Rosberg has never won in Hungary, and has seen his championship lead slashed from 43 to just a solitary point in five races.
The German finished second at Silverstone, but was demoted one place for a breach of the sport’s strict radio rules. Mercedes have announced they will not appeal the decision.
“Silverstone was a good weekend except for the loss of position following the stewards’ decision after the race,” Rosberg said.
“It was disappointing to lose a hard-fought and deserved second position in such a way - but we have accepted the decision and now I have to look forward with positivity.
“I am leading the championship coming up to the halfway point of the season and there’s still a long way to go. The battle is on with Lewis and I’m feeling great in myself and great in the car, so bring it on. I can’t wait for the next battle between us in Budapest.”
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