Lewis Hamilton has revealed that it will take a strong effort from the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team if he is to finish in the top five of the drivers’ standings this season.

The reigning World Champion currently sits in 11th in the standings after accruing nine points from the eight races that have taken place this season to date.

However, with nine races still remaining there is still plenty to play for and Hamilton is hopeful that a steady stream of points will begin to materialise, starting at the German Grand Prix on July 12th.

Hamilton said in an interview with Autosport: "I think I’m 11th in the championship right now, which is new for us. With the way we’re going, not scoring any points, that’s kind of where we’re going to be.

"Bit by bit, if we can begin to start scoring, one, two, three more points per race, then slowly we will climb back up the standings."

However, he added that a top five position may be too tough to expect because of the current lack of speed present in his Vodafone McLaren Mercedes.

Hamilton won the German Grand Prix last season after beginning the race from pole position.

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