MELBOURNE – World champion Lewis Hamilton said he drove one of his best-ever races to take third place after being 18th on the starting grid in the Australian Formula One Grand Prix yesterday.
Hamilton crossed the line fourth in a race that was won by fellow Briton Jenson Button, but was later promoted to third when Jarno Trulli received a time penalty for overtaking in a safety car period.
The McLaren-Mercedes driver was delighted to leave the opening race of the season with six points after struggling for much of the weekend against the rampant Brawns of Button and runner-up Rubens Barrichello.
Hamilton, who became the youngest person to win the world drivers’ championship last year, had to start near the back of the grid after swapping a broken gearbox following Saturday’s qualifying, in contravention of the sport’s race regulations.
‘Considering the package we’ve got, I wrung every last ounce of pace out of the car, drove one of my best-ever races and absolutely raced my heart out – I’m so satisfied,’ Hamilton said.
‘We scored way more points than we could have realistically expected.
‘I was looking to try and get one point, so to get six is a great achievement.
‘We’ve definitely not forgotten how to win: our strategy was perfect and the team did a fantastic job.’
McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh said Hamilton showed what a special driver he is in weaving his way through the field.
‘Today was one of those days on which Lewis demonstrated very clearly just what a fantastic racing driver he is,’ Whitmarsh said.
‘Throughout the race he showed great speed and tenacity, tempered when necessary by commendable patience.
‘The car we supplied him wasn’t as competitive as we’d have liked, but we’re working flat out to improve it.
‘The points Lewis scored today are very welcome and when we regain our form, we hope they’ll take on an even greater significance.’
– Nampa-AFP
