After Lewis and the McLaren Mercedes team escaped the spy row, his next challenge is the Hungaroring, near Budapest, renowned as one of the most gruelling venues in racing.

The bets coming in for Lewis Hamilton to win the world championship in his first season are beginning to tail off as he comes under increased pressure from his teammate Fernando Alonso and ever improving rival Kimi Raikkonen.

Hamilton has fell out of the odds of becoming the winner of the drivers championship and is now 15/8 to win the title in his maiden year behind new favorite Fernando Alonso at 11/8.

Hamilton has a challenge in this weekend’s Hungarian GP and William Hill expect him to be second in the drivers championship after the race despite his current position.

“Punters are starting to desert Lewis Hamilton in the Drivers Championship as Alonso hits form - this weekend’s result is make or break for Lewis,” said William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams.

Next weekend, the 70-lap event traditionally takes place in 30C heat, and the 2.722-mile track offers drivers little respite. After being extended in 2003 the pit straight is still relatively short and the circuit comprises a relentless sequence of 14 corners. Only Monaco has slower average lap speeds. In dry conditions overtaking is near impossible due to the circuit layout and dusty conditions.

Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen is joint 2/1 favourite with Fernando Alonso to win the race with Hamilton at 10/3.

After failing to score in last weekend’s Grand Prix of Europe at the Nurburgring, Hamilton only leads the drivers championship by two points. His performance in Jerez however leads us to believe he still remains in good form.

Hamilton is still confident of success this weekend.

“We have as good a chance as anyone at the race,” said Hamilton.
 
“We have a great car, and it is important that I go with a clear mind and the same approach as normal (referring to the ‘spy’ saga with Ferrari). There is no reason why we can’t go there and win.”

Hamilton competed at the Hungaroring in last year’s GP2 series. Although he crashed before he had set a qualifying time, having to start last of 26 on the grid, he sped through the race to finish 10th, and took second place in the following race. Overtaking in GP2 cars is a little easier however, as they are considered to be less sensitive.

If you still have faith in Hamilton to be the first British winner of the Formula 1 World Championship since Damon Hill in 1996, then now seems like the time to back him.