Hockenheim winner Lewis Hamilton only narrowly averted a disastrous finish to last Sunday's German grand prix.

The championship leader ultimately delivered a second consecutive dominant win for his McLaren team, but he very nearly threw it away in what would have been an embarrassing gaffe at engine partner Mercedes-Benz's home race.

Britain's Independent newspaper reports that Hamilton, 23, very nearly crashed his silver McLaren into the back of the similarly Mercedes-powered safety car following Timo Glock's mid-race accident.

The near-miss was not captured by the TV cameras, but on lap 41 in the stadium section, as he slowed down and then sped up in readiness for the restart, Hamilton missed hitting the safety car by a margin of "literally only inches", the newspaper said, citing eyewitnesses.

The British driver ultimately destroyed the opposition at Hockenheim, pulling out a four point advantage over his nearest Ferrari rival, Felipe Massa.

But amid the plaudits, Hamilton is refusing to agree he is now on a fast track to the 2008 crown.

"We're looking strong, we're looking good, but in a formula one season things change," he insisted.

"We will see in the next few races, I don't know what to expect. All I know is that we will have a competitive car and if we can challenge for wins, then great.

"We need to keep on pushing, simple as that, and I'm sure everyone else will be," Hamilton said.

Source: GMM