The British star claimed victory from pole position but grumbled throughout this Spanish Grand Prix that his car was not at its best.

Hamilton was constantly on his team radio complaining about oversteer, graining on his tyres, sluggish pit stops and the fact the rear of his Mercedes was sliding out in the corners.

But in the end none of it mattered as he held off a late challenge from Rosberg to climb to the top of the world championship standings.

"I know I wasn't fast enough. Nico was quicker, I struggled with the balance, but fortunately I was able to keep him behind," said Hamilton after taking the win by 0.6 seconds.

"I think I have a bit of work to do over the next few weeks, we struggled last year in Monaco and struggled at this race.

"I have to find out where I am losing the time and apply it the next race.

"By no means is it easy for me, I still have a massive challenge from Nico.

"I really had to rely on my engineers a lot more to give me the gaps and try to find where I could find time, also with my settings as I was moving them up and down, really trying to find extra time."