Hamilton content defying critics

March 19th, 2013 (GMM).- Lewis Hamilton has admitted he is happy to have "proved people wrong" after leaving McLaren. The Briton collected a good fifth place in the Australian Grand Prix and at times it seems like all parts are clicking into place for the Mercedes team.

Many critics rounded on the 2008 world champion when he announced his decision to leave McLaren, an established top team, for the recently underperforming Mercedes in 2013 and beyond.

But Hamilton's new W04 looked competitive in winter testing and then in Melbourne last weekend, while the 2013 McLaren is struggling.

"Lewis Hamilton recently acquired a dog and so, it seems, has (Jenson) Button; only Button is driving his," wrote Guardian correspondent Paul Weaver.

Hamilton cannot hide his joy at the situation, aiming fire at his critics including Sirs Stirling Moss and Jackie Stewart: "They don't know what they're talking about.

"It's nice to prove people wrong," admitted the 28-year-old after touching down in Malaysia. "It has been everyone (criticizing), particularly all the ex-drivers commenting that it was the worst decision ever.

"The team (Mercedes) has done well, I'm really proud of my team. I'm proud of my decision as well," added Hamilton.

The Briton had a strong start with his current team of Mercedes past weekend in Melbourne. On top of a third place in qualifying, Hamilton looked feisty as usual on the race and earned 10 points product of a meritorious 5th place finish.

Additionally, the W04 showed that with a few tweaks it might become part of the elite cars in this season, even though it is still a bit too early to tell.

Last year, Nico Rosberg won the Chinese GP for his Mercedes team, in a weekend where everything fell into place for the team that later faded out and eventually abandoned the car's development.

Nonetheless, a string of good results powered by Hamilton and Rosberg could provide a boost that for sure will carry over for 2014.