Hamilton

SILVERSTONE, England (AP):

The toast of Silverstone last year, McLaren's dismal season plumbed new depths in yesterday's British Grand Prix.

World champion Lewis Hamilton crossed the line in 16th - a lap behind race winner Sebastian Vettel - in one of the most frustrating displays of the Briton's title defence.

Teammate Heikki Kovalainen didn't even finish, retiring about halfway through after being hit from behind by Sebastien Bourdais, which led to a tyre being punctured.

Hamilton felt helpless as his tyres struggled to grip on his home Silverstone Circuit and his misfortunes were summed up when he twice spun on to the grass.

Push and push

"It doesn't feel great," Hamilton said. "I had to push and push and push and push, but when there's no more you can get from the car, it's inevitable that you are going to finish in that low position.

"You are starting the race knowing how it is, so you just try to have some fun. It wasn't a great day, but what can I do? I pushed as hard as I could. I did absolutely everything."

Currently in 11th position in the drivers' standings, he knows there is little chance of improving in the German Grand Prix on July 12.

"I have to remain optimistic, but I don't think so," he said.

Team principal Martin Whitmarsh said returning to winning ways "may not be a realistic prospect for this season"

Improvements

But Whitmarsh added: "Significant improvements are in the pipeline (and) the team is doing a huge amount of work in an effort to gain a full understanding of the performance issues our car is currently facing, with a view to developing next year's car.

"Sometimes, you have to go backwards before you can begin going forwards."