Hamilton: 'Getting a podium is possible here'

Mercedes has not started the season as it had hoped. The team is still far behind Ferrari and Red Bull Racing. Yet Lewis Hamilton sees chances for a podium in Melbourne.

Regulation changes can have a big impact on the rankings and that has become well evident this year. Haas is no longer the laughing stock in the paddock, while Mercedes is having a lot of problems with the car. And the upgrades that were possibly going to be introduced this weekend will come later after all.

Mercedes also faces competition for the Australian Grand Prix from McLaren, who have been remarkably fast this weekend compared to previous races. Despite that, Lewis Hamilton sees great opportunities for the race, as Carlos Sainz has to start from P9 and for a while it looked like Sergio Perez might get a penalty - the stewards however didn't give him one.

"That means we have a nice fight at the front of the field and the podium is possible. Who knows? I'm just going to fight as hard as I can and get away from the line as best I can," the Briton let us know in conversation with Formula1.com.

More potential in the car

Hamilton is satisfied with his qualifying, but also feels that there was more in it. He might be able to use that little bit extra tomorrow to give the cars in front of him a hard time. The Briton will start from fifth position, right behind compatriot Lando Norris.