Lewis Hamilton believes his first victory for nine months was just reward for his "completely knackered" team.

McLaren have burned the midnight oil these past few months in a bid to build a race-winning car again after spending the first half of the season towards the back of the grid, and it has paid dividends.

The rocket-red victory shirts, celebratory loud music and flowing champagne were all back in evidence inside the McLaren brand centre yesterday following Hamilton's Hungarian Grand Prix triumph.

The success ended Hamilton's five-race drought without a point, and 10 since the last time he took the chequered flag in China last October.

The world champion looked the part, and the relief was palpable as he said: "It's been almost a year - such a long time that it felt surreal to win again.

"I couldn't believe how well it all went. I love my car right now - the overall package is fantastic.

"It's been a huge turnaround. At the start of the season, I said if anybody could do this, it would be us.

"You've seen ourselves and Ferrari stepping up our game, and if we'd had this car at the beginning of the season I reckon we'd have won more races.

"But we always said we were six months behind the top guys and, sure enough, six months later we're back at the front.

"Things can now only get better for us. The updates we've introduced have made a huge difference and the car is a pleasure to drive.

"But we've still quite a few improvements to make to the car as there are areas we haven't yet explored."

The win, though, means McLaren can now enjoy their two-week break due to start next Monday, with the holiday enforced as part of new cost-saving initiatives amongst all the teams.

For one employee in particular, who McLaren recently highlighted had put in a 36-hour shift to aid the team's cause, he is likely to be very happy.

"I know they're all completely knackered," added Hamilton, with the next race not until August 23 in Valencia.

"I hope they get a good break over the next couple of weeks so we can be ready to come back and get some more podiums."

There was particular delight for Martin Whitmarsh, who has endured a tough few months since taking over as team principal.

The wretched car aside, Whitmarsh was forced to deal with the fall-out from the 'lie-gate' saga in Australia, as well as play a major role in the recent FIA-FOTA battle over the future of Formula One.

Whitmarsh certainly enjoyed standing on the podium yesterday at the Hungaroring and receiving his first constructors' trophy as team boss.

"It was a fantastic feeling," remarked Whitmarsh, who was doused in champagne on the podium by Hamilton.

"I've been on the podium before. I was there for Lewis' first ever win, but to be up there again, it had to be a special one.

"I have to admit the second half of the race was nerve-racking because I, the team, Lewis, everyone, needed a victory.

"But no-one needed this win more than me, so it was great."

With McLaren now clearly back on the pace, the belief is it will not be a one-off this season.

"I'm sure more than a few people were sniggering down their sleeves at the suggestion we could win in Hungary," remarked Whitmarsh.

"But we believed it. We tried to be realistic and objective, and we proved we were, and it was very, very rewarding.

"This team has been at war on a few issues this year, but we have come through that and we now want to win some more races."

Hamilton is due to attend the team's factory in Woking tomorrow, which is certain to be a moment as special as when he returned as world champion last year.

"Lewis has been a fantastic asset, and he'll be a better one," enthused Whitmarsh.

"Lewis did a fantastic job (in Hungary) and he is a fantastic champion.

"He had already planned to come to the factory tomorrow, so for the whole team it will be a massive celebration on Tuesday.

"But once that is out of the way, then we'll get on with things very quickly."