Lewis Hamilton believes he 'manifested' a dream victory at the German Grand Prix after having to start from 14th place on the grid after a troublesome qualifying session.
In a tense and dramatic race which saw rain eventually fall on the Hockenheim circuit just after the midway stage, Hamilton was able to extend the first stint on the yellow-marked soft tyre to go onto the Ultrasoft tyre before the inclement weather arrived.
Title rival Sebastian Vettel dropped out of his home race after struggling to manage the conditions causing a Safety Car period, this led to more confusion on the pit wall as the British driver was initially told to come in and then bailed before committing to the pit lane.
GERMAN GRAND PRIX: Race result | Championship standings
Speaking straight after the race, Hamilton said: "I did [believe I would win this race]. It’s obviously very very difficult from that position and highly unlikely but you’ve always got to believe and I said a long long prayer before the race started.
"Even on the parade lap I could see how much support I had out there and I just wanted to stay collected, stay calm. The team did such a great job, the car was fantastic today and honestly, I’m so grateful.
"I mean, I would never have thought you could do something like that today but I just kept pushing, I kept believing and it happened so I really manifested my dream today.”
“I hadn’t really thought about that [the championship]. It was so tough out there, conditions were… perfect! The conditions were perfect for business time so, you know, when it rained I knew that I would have a good position but then you never knew what was going to happen after the safety car.
"The other guys behind had the new tires on but… As I said, I’m just so grateful for the hard work the team have done and hopefully, this solidifies their belief in me and hopefully, my drive solidifies my belief in them and I guess, for those who don’t know me, now you do."
Hamilton moves back to the top of the Driver's Championship 17 points clear of Vettel due to the German's retirement from the race.
