Lewis Hamilton is hoping his Abu Dhabi Grand Prix win he dedicated to his mum is now "the start of something good".

In a year littered with incidents and penalties, and with Hamilton admitting to suffering from personal problems, it was a victory he thoroughly deserved to at least ease some of the pressure.

There is no doubting the fact Sebastian Vettel suffered a bizarre puncture just two corners into the 55-lap race played an integral part in his third triumph this season, and 17th of his career.

Beyond that, though, Hamilton was faultless.

There were times when he came under pressure from Fernando Alonso, notably at the second pit stop when Ferrari kept him on the track after Hamilton had pitted, but any concerns were soon shortlived.

As Hamilton crossed the line he delivered a double-clenched fist pump in celebration, and following praise for his drive from race engineer Andy Latham, the 26-year-old replied: "Mega job guys, as usual.

"I want to dedicate this win to my mum. Happy birthday (on Friday) and thanks for coming out here."

Mum Carmen was equally elated, saying: "I'm so proud, so happy for him.

"It's been a really great weekend. I might start coming to a few more races now.''

It would appear Hamilton has found a part of the "happy bubble" he talked of earlier this week that has been missing from his life for the past two years, and which team-mate Jenson Button enjoys.

"It is great to be able to win while she's here," said Hamilton in the post-race aftermath.

"I feel fantastic, ecstatic, really happy to be back up here (on the top of the podium).

"That was one of my best races, in terms of my own performance, not making any mistakes. I feel I didn't make a single mistake in the race.

"What with the things that have gone on, the pressure I've been under, with the doubt that has surrounded me.

"I'm just massively proud to have put that kind of performance together, and to have come on out on top.

"I said to myself as I slowed down, just being able to hold off one of the best drivers in the world (Alonso) throughout the race is something that is very, very tough to do, so this is great."

Asked whether he felt he was back on track, Hamilton added: "It is early days yet, but hopefully this is the start of something very good.

"We've another great race ahead of us in Brazil and I just have to keep my focus on that, try to keep the momentum.

"But you know how it goes. Anything can happen. I just have to keep my mind on the game.''

It is a mind Hamilton claims has been clearer over the weekend, that he has had "less weighing on me, less thoughts on the issues and problems I've got".

He added: "I was just able to drive clearly. Obviously in the last race I had that mistake (collision with Felipe Massa), when I wasn't thinking straight.

"But this weekend I've been thinking straight, and I don't know if that's because I've had great support here or what, but it's been a positive feeling all week."

Unlike Vettel, who suffered his first retirement for 20 races, and with Red Bull team-mate Mark Webber fourth behind Button, it is the first time since last year's Korean Grand Prix the team have failed to get a car on the podium.

A naturally dejected Vettel said: "There wasn't anything we could have done better really this weekend.

"We just need to look at what caused the puncture. I had a good start and I was very happy with the car up until that point.

"To then lose the race there, so early on, it hurts for sure."

Behind the leading quartet, Ferrari's Massa was fifth, followed by Mercedes duo Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher.

The Force India pairing of Adrian Sutil and Paul di Resta were eighth and ninth, with Sauber's Kamui Kobayashi claiming tenth place.