The 32-year-old Briton, who reeled off his fifth win of the year to reduce Vettel’s lead to seven points with eight races remaining, said he jad found it difficult to resist the German’s attacks.

“I think Ferrari were ultimately quicker. I was just able to keep them at bay,» said Hamilton. “But if our cars were reversed, I don’t think I would have been able to hold as close as he did.

«If anyone’s out there thinking we have the best car this year then they need to think again because it’s not the case… We might have the upper hand in power, but that’s not enough – we have to keep improving.”

Heading into Ferrari’s home race at the Italian Grand Prix, Hamilton knows he needs to make the most of Mercedes marginal power advantage in his bid to take the championship lead for the first time this year.

Mercedes introduced an upgraded engine at Spa-Francorchamps and their speed in straight lines on the long straights was critical to the result of qualifying and the race.

«I think we have the upper hand power-wise, but we’ve got to keep improving,» added Hamilton.

«The pressure is on. The next race, package-wise, should be similar to this weekend, but when we get to Singapore that’s really where the test is going to be – and where Ferrari should be really fast, as they were in Hungary…”