Lewis Hamilton was ecstatic with his second podium of the season as the Brit managed to secure his ninth trip to the Montreal rostrum with third in yesterday’s Canadian Grand Prix.

After Qualifying an excellent fourth on the grid, a first trip to the rostrum since the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix looked very much like a possibility for Hamilton and Mercedes and when the first virtual safety car had come out after Sergio Perez’s Red Bull toured into retirement Mercedes pitted Hamilton for a fresh set of hards.

Despite being behind George Russell, Hamilton worked his way up into the top three, and after his second and final stop, he ran closely behind the leading group of Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz all the way to the checkered flag earning Hamilton his second podium of the season and his ninth in Canada.

Shortly after the podium ceremony, Hamilton thanked his team for their efforts and expressed his belief that they are getting closer to Ferrari and Red Bull.

“It’s quite overwhelming, honestly, to get this third place. It’s been such a battle this year with the car as a Team, but we continue to stay vigilant, focused and never giving up. That’s something I’m so proud of, and I remain inspired by my crew, so thank you to everyone who’s here in Montreal and back at the factory. The guys are the front are a little bit quick for us at the moment; I was giving it everything, but we’re getting closer. We’ve just got to keep pushing and keep pushing, and hopefully, we’ll be in the fight with these guys.”

Hamilton also praised the fans who were on hand to welcome Formula 1 back after a three year hiatus as over 300,000 people filled the grandstands over the weekend’s three days of on-track action..

“This is my second podium of the year, and it was really special. Especially where I got my first Grand Prix win! I love it here in Montreal, so big thank you to all the Canadians!.”