Hamilton's McLaren has struggled to balance its downforce

Lewis Hamilton expects the gap between his McLaren team and Brawn GP to grow in the next Formula 1 race in Malaysia.

The world champion secured a surprise third behind Brawn GP pair Jenson Button and Rubens Barrichello in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

"I think Malaysia is going to be even harder because the car is incredibly tough to drive at the moment," he said.

"There probably will be a bigger difference between us and the Brawn car. We'll be a little further behind."

After finishing second in the constructors' championship last year, the Mercedes-powered outfit are off the pace so far this season.

606: DEBATE Even though McLaren didn't even expect to score a single point, Lewis raced his heart out F1_2008

A determined drive from Hamilton, combined with a collision between Sebastian Vettel and Robert Kubica and a time penalty for Jarno Trulli secured third place for the British driver from 18th on the grid.

Gearbox troubles had hindered his qualification and he struggled in Friday's two practice sessions, finishing 16th and 18th.

Hamilton admitted that six points was a far-better haul than he had expected to take from the Melbourne circuit.

"Going into this weekend I knew we could have a race weekend where we didn't get any points," he said.

"We've had some serious challenges over the last three years, and this is another big one for us, if not the biggest.

Hamilton pleased with 'incredible' result

"But like I've said from the beginning, if anyone can do it, we can. I've got a huge amount of belief in this team."

Hamilton has targeted the third race of the season for his Woking-based team to start closing on Brawn and is drawing hope from rivals Ferrari's start to last season.

"Ferrari only got one point from the first race last year, but they came back and were strong later on. Hopefully by China and from then on we will be a little bit closer," he said.

Three-time F1 world champion Sir Jackie Stewart said Hamilton will have learned a lot from Melbourne.

"This is a really good object lesson for Lewis. He had to come from the back," Stewart told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"You have got to keep your head down and have a bit of luck. I once won a race coming from sixth and never passed a car - it happens once or twice in your career and you just thank your luck."

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