Hamilton: McLaren over traumas of 2007

Lewis Hamilton says McLaren's superb performance in the Australian Grand Prix demonstrates how well the team has recovered from the traumas of 2007.

McLaren was expected to start 2008 at a disadvantage as its winter had been disrupted by the continued fall-out from the spy scandal and the collapse of its relationship with Fernando Alonso.

The team had also let last year's title slip away at the eleventh hour, and there had been rampant speculation about McLaren boss Ron Dennis's future.

But it was Ferrari that faltered in Melbourne, while McLaren was set for a commanding one-two finish until an ill-timed safety car dropped the victorious Hamilton's team-mate Heikki Kovalainen to fifth.

Lewis said it was extremely important for McLaren to get this season off to a positive start after last year ended so depressingly.

"I wouldn't say it draws a line under it but for sure coming into a new season, turning over a new leaf, we really wanted to get off on the right foot," he said.

"Ron's been through a lot, so has the team but we pulled through and really it shows in the results.

"I'm glad he's happy, it is an emotional feeling to win the first grand prix of the season, especially with all the winter testing, the whole build-up, not really knowing whether you had the pace of everyone else, whether you would be able to win, whether the cars could be reliable but when you come out on top it's a real relief and great satisfaction."

McLaren is already 13 points clear of Ferrari in the constructors' standings after Melbourne, while Ferrari's lead driver Kimi Raikkonen trails Lewis by nine points in the drivers' table.

But Hamilton said he wouldn't under-estimate Ferrari's ability to bounce back.

"I think a lot of hype was put on them but they've obviously had a tough weekend," he said.

"But we can't forget that they are a great team and they have a very good car and two great drivers as well.

"I'm sure everyone could have a bad weekend at some point during the season."

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