Canadian Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton 'ecstatic' as he returns to podium places

Lewis Hamilton recorded his second podium finish of the season at the Canadian Grand Prix on Sunday, and said that it was ‘overwhelming’ to achieve third place behind Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz.

The Briton has been so used to success over the best part of the last decade that it seems odd to see him so pleased with a third place but, when you look at the context of this season, you can completely understand how he feels.

Indeed, this was just the second time he’s been on the podium in 2022 and, after calling the car ‘undriveable’ on Friday after the team played around with the set-up of the W13, Sunday proved quite the turnaround for him.

Speaking post-race, Lewis said:

“It’s quite overwhelming, honestly, to get this third place.

“It’s been such a battle this year with the car and as a team. But we continue to stay vigilant and focused and never giving up.

“That’s something I’m so proud of, and I’m inspired by my crew. So thank you to everyone that’s here and back at the factory.”

His attention then turned to Verstappen and Sainz in front in the Red Bull and Ferrari cars:

“They’re a little bit too quick for us at the moment.

“I was giving it everything but we’re getting closer. So we’ve just got to keep pushing. Hopefully will be in a fight with these guys.”

Before adding:

“Honestly, our pace was quite good, particularly in the second phase of the stint.

“We did a lot of work back in the simulator but also here to get the setup right. So honestly, I’m ecstatic.

“I didn’t expect this coming into the weekend. It’s my second podium of the year. So this feels really special, especially where I got my first Grand Prix win.”