Hamilton: "Drive of my life"

Lewis Hamilton labels yesterday's Hockenheim fightback "the drive of my life" after the Mercedes driver came from 14th on the grid.

Speaking after the thrilling race, Hamilton reflected on what had just happened and called it the "drive of my life".

Sebastian Vettel's crash on lap 52 gifted Hamilton an opportunity to retake the lead back at the top of the drivers' standings.

"That was the drive of my life," the Mercedes man told Sky Sports.

"The most trying day and the greatest day. The most emotional day, probably. I'm exhausted and I put everything I had into the race. I always do, but I managed to have more and bigger today.

"I just can't believe... well I can believe it. You throw the ball up and serve it doesn't always go as an ace but today every single lap was as I planned."

Hamilton's win means he is back in front of Vettel in the drivers' standings - with Hamilton 17 points clear of the Ferrari man, who achieved no points yesterday following an early retirement from the race.

Speculation has emerged that Hamilton's resurgent fightback pressurised Vettel and had an effect on the German crashing out of his home race, but Lewis admits he doesn't know.

"It would be really hard for me to answer that," answered Hamilton.

"I haven't heard his radio calls and stuff, so the only way that could be possible is if they've said 'Lewis is this far behind'. So I couldn't tell you.

"Ultimately, the pressure was huge on all of us, particularly in the tricky conditions."