'Dizzy' Hamilton may be suffering from Long Covid

Mercedes driver, who now leads the championship by eight points, was visibly unwell on the podium after the race

BUDAPEST:

Lewis Hamilton, who battled from the back of the field to take second place in an intense and exhausting Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday, admitted he may still be suffering from the effects of Covid-19 which caused him to miss a race last year.

The Mercedes driver, who now leads the championship by eight points, was visibly unwell on the podium after the dramatic race and struggled to raise his trophy.

He was initially absent from the press conference reserved for the first three drivers because he was seeing a doctor.

"I'm ok, had real big dizziness and everything got a bit blurry on the podium," said the world champion before opening up about the problems of life post-Covid.

"I've been fighting all year really with staying healthy after what happened at the end of last year and it's still, it's a battle.

"I haven't spoken to anyone about it but I think (the effects of Covid are) lingering. I remember the effects of when I had it and training has been different since then.

"The level of fatigue you get is different and it's a real challenge."

The 36-year-old missed the Sakhir Grand Prix in Bahrain in December after testing positive for Covid-19 and has gone on to win four races this season, including the British GP at Silverstone a fortnight ago.

"I continue to train and prepare the best way I can. Today, who knows what it is?

"Maybe it's hydration, I don't know, but I've definitely not had this experience. Had something similar at Silverstone but this is way worse."

Esteban Ocon won the race at the Hungaroring with Sebastian Vettel in second.

However, Vettel was later disqualified after his Aston Martin was deemed to have breached fuel regulations and Hamilton was promoted to second.

Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, and the rest of the Formula One paddock now breaks until the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa on August 29.