Lewis Hamilton's dramatic triumph is a top-three hit

Lewis Hamilton believes his superb victory in the Chinese Grand Prix ranks among his best three results in Formula One.

The McLaren driver claimed his first win in eight months yesterday to check Sebastian Vettel's perfect start to the new season.

In an enthralling race packed with drama and position changes throughout, Hamilton eventually prevailed after overhauling the reigning champion just four laps from the finish.

It was his 15th Grand Prix win since his 2007 debut and he ranked it alongside two triumphs from his title season.

"I feel so proud," said the Briton. "This race is in my top three of race wins. It's up there with Silverstone and Monaco in 2008. I exist and I live and I breathe to win. I love winning and I just couldn't be happier."

After passing pole-sitter Vettel off the start, Hamilton had to battle hard to first get past team-mate and early leader Jenson Button, and then overcome Vettel late on.

Hamilton also had dices with the Ferraris of Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, and the Mercedes of Nico Rosberg, typifying a tight race that saw the top six finish within 16 seconds of each other.

"It's rare to have battles like that," said Hamilton. "You really had to think about the situation, and I loved that challenge, but having to overtake people made things so much sweeter."