Formula One news

Hamilton surprised with podium finish

Outgoing Champion Lewis Hamilton was pleased for compatriot Jenson Button as the latter became the second consecutive British World Champion in Brazil on Sunday. After a disastrous qualifying session saw Hamilton eliminated in Q1 on Saturday, the McLaren driver drove a stunning race to the podium at Interlagos.

"It's been an extremely tough weekend for us," Lewis said in Sunday's press conference. "Today's result is a huge surprise for me - I had absolutely no idea that we would be able to get into the points today."

With a Safety Car deployed on Lap 1, McLaren pitted Hamilton in order to switch immediately from the slower Super Soft tyres (which much be used at least once over the distance) and benefit from the quicker, Medium compound rubber.

"The team did a great job with our strategy and the car felt just great," he continued, having questioned the strategy over team radio during the race. "There is still room for improvement but, looking back at our race, it's just great that we worked our way up from 18th to third.

"Congratulations to Jenson - he did a great job and had a great season."

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