Lewis Hamilton's long COVID concern after dizziness and fatigue at Hungarian Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton has said he has symptoms of long COVID after requiring medical help following Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix.

The seven-time world champion had performed superbly to move from last place to third in the Hungarian Grand Prix, later being upgraded to second place after the disqualification of Sebastian Vettel.

Hamilton's hard-fought performance in the 70-lap race gave him the lead in the Formula One world championship.

But afterwards, he appeared to be struggling - he needed help to get to the podium and appeared too weak to hold the celebratory bottle of champagne.

He was taken to see the Mercedes team doctor and was later said to be suffering from dizziness and fatigue.

At a post-race news conference, the 36-year-old said: "I haven't spoken to anyone particularly about long COVID, but I think it is lingering there.

"I was having real dizziness and everything got a bit blurry on the podium. I have been fighting with staying healthy following what happened at the end of last year, but still it's a battle.

"I remember the effects of when I had COVID, and training has been different ever since then. The level of fatigue that you get is different and it's a real challenge.

"I'm trying to keep training and preparing as best I can. Who knows what it was today? Maybe it was hydration, I don't know, but it was definitely different."

After the news conference, Hamilton was helped to his feet by the race winner Esteban Ocon and a member of Mercedes' staff.

Hamilton contracted COVID-19 in Dubai in December and has almost four weeks away from competition before his next race in Belgium on 29 August.