Lewis Hamilton issues 'full gas' call to Ferrari after breakthrough result

Lewis Hamilton has called on Ferrari to continue its car development in an effort to catch Mercedes after securing a maiden podium for the Italian squad.

Hamilton moved to the lead of the race on the opening lap as he soared past the Mercedes duo in his fast-starting Ferrari.

While he offered his former team a challenge, he was unable to keep pace with the Silver Arrows across the race distance and shifted focus to beating his team-mate to third.

A fierce wheel-to-wheel battle ensued between Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, with the former coming out on top.

Describing his perspective of nerve-wracking tussle, Hamilton said: “We had a great start, I wasn't able to keep these guys behind, but to stay in the fight, it's one of the most enjoyable races that I've had in a long, long time, if ever.

“The fact that the cars are the way they are this year, and that battle with Charles at the end was awesome. A great wheel-to-wheel battle. 

“Very fair and just what we want. We've got to keep pushing. 

“I think there was one moment we did touch, but it was subtle, just a kiss, so it's okay.

“But that's what it's about. It's about tough racing.”

Having bagged his first top-three result with the Italian squad, Hamilton is eyeing further progress as it looks to challenge Mercedes for race wins.

“I've got to say a huge thank you to everyone at Ferrari, everyone back in Maranello, for getting us into this position,” Hamilton said.

“It's not exactly where we want to be. We want to be up front, where these [Mercedes] guys are.

“But we've got a great platform to work off, and we just got to go full gas.”