Lewis Hamilton lauds 'amazing result' for Mercedes with first double podium of the year, as Max Verstappen wins the Spanish Grand Prix

Mercedes secured its first double podium of the year as Lewis Hamilton finished second and George Russell third at the Spanish Grand Prix, another race once again won by a dominant Max Verstappen.

"What a result for our team," Hamilton told Sky Sports afterwards. "We definitely didn't expect to have this result today so I just want to take my hat off to my team and a big, big thank you to everyone back at the factory who are continuing to push and bringing us closer to the (Red) Bulls."

Hamilton turned in an impressive performance at the Grand Prix, overtaking Ferrari's Carlos Sainz to take second place, and he never looked like relinquishing it.

Behind him, Russell gained nine places as he maneuvered his way through the field up to third and held off a late charge from Sergio Perez in the all-conquering Red Bull car.

"A sign of things to come hopefully," Russell told Sky Sports afterwards. "It definitely feels better, just putting in those lap times and comparing with the other guys, Aston and Ferrari, we're just quicker and quicker and quicker. Really pleased to be on the podium."

Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton have struggled to hit their usual heights since that fateful race in Abu Dhabi 18 months ago when the British driver controversially lost out on a record-breaking eighth world title.

While Red Bull has exerted its dominance since, Hamilton finished sixth in the drivers' championship last year and Russell finished fourth. This year, it is Hamilton who currently sits in fourth, with Russell a place behind him.