Lewis Hamilton scored his first podium of 2024 as he finished third at the Spanish Grand Prix.

It was the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion’s first appearance on the podium since Mexico last year.

Max Verstappen took first place, ahead of Lando Norris, who had started from pole.

Norris dropped to third at the opening bend following a poor getaway in Barcelona.

But the McLaren driver took on a different strategy to his rivals to afford himself a last-gasp surge for victory on fresher rubber.

However, Norris ran out of steam in his pursuit of Verstappen with the Dutchman claiming his third win from the last four races to extend his title lead to 69 points.

Hamilton passed Mercedes teammate George Russell with 14 laps remaining to take the final spot on the podium.

Norris rued his getaway over the radio, saying: “I should have won. I f***** up the start. Car was amazing. Deserved more.”

Speaking after the chequered flag, Norris said: “I got a bad start. Simple as that. We were the quickest and I lost it at the beginning.

“A lot of positives this weekend and one negative ruined everything. I need to work it out for next time.”

It was also a 198th podium position for Hamilton in his glittering career.

He said: “It has been a good day and a solid weekend. Like Lando, I got a bad start and lost ground to the Ferraris.

“With a better start, although I am not sure if we could have held on (to Verstappen and Norris), I am sure we would have not been as far behind as we were.”