Britain's new Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton described himself as "ecstatic" with his superb performance in the Australian Grand Prix after becoming the first driver since Jacques Villeneuve in 1996 to stand on a podium on his debut.

Hamilton, finished third in Melbourne after leading and running ahead of McLaren team-mate Fernando Alonso for much of the race, produced the best performance by a British rookie since Mike Parkes replaced John Surtees at Ferrari in the 1966 French GP.

Hamilton passed the world champion at the start then trailed winner Kimi Raikkonen through the first two stints before a backmarker cost him a position to Alonso in the final stops.

"It has been a fantastic day for me," said Hamilton.

"To lead in my first grand prix was an amazing feeling.

"I had Fernando behind me for a long time, and it is extremely tough when you have a two-time world champion behind you, especially in your first race."

Alonso admitted afterwards that he was "fortunate" to have taken second from Lewis, who was held up on his final in-lap by Super Aguri driver Takuma Sato.

But Hamilton, who has remained ultra calm all weekend despite the intense media spotlight, just put it down as another experience.