Lewis Hamilton concedes Nico Rosberg was unbeatable on Sunday as he scampered to his first win, earning a round of applause from the McLaren man.
Starting from pole position, Rosberg stormed into the lead and through to his maiden grand prix victory in China while behind him excitement ensued.
"We knew Nico would be really quick, and we knew if he got away it would be hard to catch him as it proved," Hamilton said.
"First pole and first win is always special so congratulations."
Hamilton was in the thick of the action as, starting P7, he worked his way up only to fall back after pit stops forcing him to put in the hard yards all over again.
With drivers racing nose-to-tail and Pirelli's tyres offering one of the best finishes seen in recent years, Hamilton went from eight to third in the final ten laps.
"I'm happy to be on the podium after starting seventh, the strategy was good - it was one of the best races of the season," said the McLaren driver.
"There was a trail of cars behind me at the end, but overall it was a fantastic day."
It was the Brit's third third of the season and puts him at the top of the Championship with 45 points, two ahead of his team-mate Jenson Button.
"We will keep pushing on to get some better results," he added.
"It's a positive to have the consistency and if I can keep working as hard as I am then I am sure the wins will come."
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Chinese GP: First win for Rosberg
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