Hamilton pinpoints key to Mercedes' title chances

Lewis Hamilton has pinpointed an improvement in Mercedes' qualifying performance as crucial to his chances of staying ahead of Sebastian Vettel in the Formula 1 title race. The Silver Arrows have taken Saturday honours in half of the 12 races in 2018 so far, however this is a far cry on recent years.

After 12 races last season, Mercedes had taken pole nine times - they were only denied P1 four times across the season.

Ferrari's power gains in 2018 have helped Vettel take pole in Bahrain, China, Azerbaijan, Canada and Germany - he ought to have followed suit in Hungary, only to be scuppered by the rain.

An ability to recover in races, as well as capitalise on Vettel's errors, has helped Hamilton build a 24-point advantage over his rival at the summer break, but Hamilton sees vast room for improvement.

Hamilton said: "For some reason the race is really our main strength.

"The current work and focus is making sure we improve in qualifying. We've had five poles out of 12 races, which is good but could be better.

"That's where we need to hit it with these guys because I think in the race we can generally hold our own."

Vettel ought to have entered the summer shutdown with three consecutive wins and a healthy lead under his belt, but he crashed out of the lead in Germany and could not master wet conditions in qualifying in Budapest - with Hamilton and Mercedes able to take advantage on both occasions.

"It was definitely a bit of a surprise," said Hamilton of the healthy buffer he has suddenly built.

"I'm really proud of all the team for keeping up the pace even though these guys turned up the heat the last few races.

"To come away with two wins is a testament to the strength in depth of our team."