Happy Hamilton back in groove

LEWIS HAMILTON is hoping his Abu Dhabi Grand Prix win he dedicated to his mum is now “the start of something good”.

In a year littered with incidents and penalties, and with Hamilton admitting to suffering from personal problems, it was a victory he thoroughly deserved to at least ease some of the pressure.

There is no doubting the fact Sebastian Vettel suffered a bizarre puncture just two corners into the 55-lap race played an integral part in his third triumph this season, and 17th of his career.

Beyond that, though, Hamilton was faultless.

There were times when he came under pressure from Fernando Alonso, notably at the second pit stop when Ferrari kept him on the track after Hamilton had pitted, but any concerns were soon shortlived.

As Hamilton crossed the line he delivered a double-clenched fist pump in celebration, and following praise for his drive from race engineer Andy Latham, the 26-year-old replied: “Mega job guys, as usual.

“I want to dedicate this win to my mum. Happy birthday (on Friday) and thanks for coming out here.”

It would appear Hamilton has found a part of the “happy bubble” he talked of earlier this week that has been missing from his life for the last two years, and which team-mate Jenson Button enjoys.

“I feel fantastic, ecstatic, really happy to be back up here (on the top of the podium).

“That was one of my best races, in terms of my own performance, not making any mistakes. I just feel I didn’t make a single mistake in the race.”

Meanwhile, Red Bull and tyre suppliers Pirelli are to investigate the cause of the incident that led to Sebastian Vettel’s first retirement for 20 grands prix. After making a perfect getaway from his record-equalling 14th pole of an epic season, Vettel’s race lasted just two corners before an inexplicable right-rear puncture sent him spinning off track.

Although double world champion Vettel trundled back to the garage, the damage incurred to the suspension forced him out, leaving him thumping his steering wheel in frustration.

With it went an assault on two other F1 records- falling five short of Michael Schumacher’s run of 24 successive results in the points, and unable to now equal the seven times champion’s 13 race wins in a single season.