A delighted Lewis Hamilton described his victory in Sunday's Australian Grand Prix as 'probably the best so far' in his brief, but fruitful, Formula One career.

After cruising to his fifth career win, he declined all temptations to revel in Ferrari's misery over the weekend, reported The Telegraph.

Having won with almost sumptuous ease in his McLaren, which he said was 'fantastic to drive', he ensured he did not gloat over the Italian team's haul of just one point in their worst start to a season for 16 years.

'The car was just phenomenal for me,' the 23-year-old said. 'But pulling me in early on both of my pit-stops really did help us in terms of safety cars and kept us out of trouble.

'We have a fantastic strategy team and they did a great job for me.

'It was just great preparation for Malaysia, so bring it on. I'm really looking forward to it now. It is the perfect way to begin the season.'

Hamilton showed unrestrained delight in sharing the podium with his close friend from karting days, Nico Rosberg, the Germany-born son of the original flying Finn and world champion, Keke Rosberg.

It was Rosberg's first podium finish in Formula One.

'I think it has been exactly eight years since we were on the podium together back in the days when we were karting, and it's great to be here with him again,' Hamilton said. 'But the best thing is the car's performance. It was pretty tough last year. This year, my preparations are better - much better.

'If I'd needed to push more, I could have done it. But I was happy and comfortable at the pace I ran.

'It is an emotional feeling to win the first Grand Prix of the season and, after all he has been through, I am glad that Ron (Dennis, McLaren team principal) is happy.

'Coming into this season, we wanted to turn over a new leaf after last year and get off on the right foot and we have done that.

'I would say it is quite different from my first win in Montreal, just because it was not really expected.

'Coming into your second season, this is sort of a target we set - that I set myself - so, I guess, I've put more pressure on myself this year.

'I would say there are a lot of areas where I can still improve, so it's not perfect.

'But I think that, in terms of managing my tyres, controlling my pace and confidence and being comfortable in the car, it is probably the best race I've had.'

Dennis was full of praise for his young driver.

'It was faultless,' he said. 'It's his discipline that makes him so good. Even with the most experienced people in Formula One, the most difficult place to be is leading a race because that's where a mistake can cost you so much.'

As for Ferrari's off-day, Hamilton said: 'I think a lot of hype was loaded on them and they have obviously had a tough weekend.

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

'One bad weekend - I'm sure everyone could have a bad weekend at some point during the season. There are still 17 races to go.'