Off the pace: Lewis Hamilton will be hoping to go quicker than 18th in today's afternoon practice ahead of Sunday's Hungarian GP [Picture courtesy of www.mclaren.com]

McLaren racer Lewis Hamilton fails to find his rhythm in morning practice at the Hungaroring circuit.

LEWIS Hamilton was a disappointing 18th quickest in first practice ahead of Sunday’s Hungarian Grand Prix.

The Herts speedster set a time of 1 minute 24.075 seconds at the Hungaroring, with McLaren team-mate and World Champion Jenson Button fourth fastest with a time of 1 min 22.444 secs

Interestingly, following his first run out, 25-year-old Hamilton suggested to his McLaren team that changes would have to be made for his second run.

The Drivers’ Championship leader also described the Eastern European track as being “quite bumpy” on his first circuit of the session, and appeared to be critical of the car’s balance.

Red Bull driver and title contender Sebastian Vettel set the fastest time of first practice with 1 min 20.976 secs.