Dream podium debut leaves Hamilton ‘ecstatic’

BRITISH rookie Lewis Hamilton admitted he had exceeded even his own expectations after announcing his arrival in Formula One with a podium finish for McLaren at the Australian Grand Prix.

The 22-year-old was superb on the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, producing one of the most stunning debuts in the sport’s history as he took third place.

Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen, who performed consistently from practice through to the race, stormed ahead from pole position on the grid and never let go of his lead to capture the first race of 2007.