Hamilton: most difficult race ever

The rookie put on another impressive performance in Sepang to finish second behind teammate Fernando Alonso, giving the McLaren team their first win and their first one-two finish since the 2005 Brazilian Grand Prix.

Hamilton, third in Australia three weeks ago, had to fend off the challenge from both Ferrari drivers during the race, first forcing Felipe Massa into a mistake, and then holding Kimi Raikkonen until the end.

"It was the most difficult race I have ever had," admitted the Briton. "To see two Ferraris behind you, two red blobs in the mirror, knowing they are slightly lighter than you and slightly quicker, it was very, very difficult to keep them behind.

"Felipe had a couple of moves but fortunately I was able to trick him to outbrake himself and get fortunate. I could cut across to the point he went off, so I apologise for that. Then I had Kimi hunting me down for most of the race.

"I can't explain how tough it is, hot in the cockpit, I ran out of water so halfway through the race I didn't have enough water. It was getting hotter and hotter. It was nice to have a gap, but I pushed to the end.

"The team did a great job, they worked long hours, longer than other teams, and they have done a fantastic job."

Raikkonen caught Hamilton at the end of the race, but the Briton kept his cool and crossed the finish line less than a second ahead of the Finn.

"I had radio communication with the team, they told me Kimi had pitted and I passed," Hamilton said. "I couldn't' see him in the mirrors, it was difficult looking at the gap. They told me Kimi was six seconds behind and catching me half a second.

"I had to dig as deep as I could by preserving energy I had to bring the car to the end, I am overwhelmed."