Lewis Hamilton is convinced the day is dawning when he will again stand on top of the podium.

So far this season, Hamilton has had to watch McLaren team-mate Jenson Button take the plaudits following his victories in Australia and China.

Reigning World Champion Button now heads the Drivers' standings, 10 points clear of Mercedes' Nico Rosberg and 11 ahead of Hamilton and Fernando Alonso for Ferrari.

Button concedes to being "absolutely blown away" by what has taken place over the past few weeks - which is not surprising given that many predicted he would be blown away by Hamilton.

Yet Hamilton has no doubt his time will again come, knowing he has a car beneath him that will see him take the chequered flag.

"Jenson's a great driver and we can really learn from each other, and that's what I think has really helped us to develop this car into a frontrunner," he said during a media briefing in South Africa.

"We've got a lot of experience between us, but we're both always learning, and I still think this car can improve.

"We have a lot of developments in the pipeline, with quite a few changes for Barcelona (Spanish Grand Prix on May 9) and I think we can be right up there.

"We still really need to focus on our qualifying pace. We made some improvements in China, but there's still a way to go. We'll get there though.

"Most of all, I know I can win races in this car. It still feels so planted, more than any Formula One car I've driven, and I'm sure those victories will come."

Hamilton pushed Button hard in Shanghai, finishing just 1.5 seconds adrift to give Britain its first one-two since 1999, and McLaren their first since the Italian Grand Prix in 2007.

The 2008 World Champion can sense momentum building within McLaren, adding: "It feels like the team is really firing on all cylinders.

"Everybody in this team, every single last person, is working better than ever to get us these results, and it's really starting to pay off.

"The atmosphere within the team is also fantastic. We are a strong group now, and we know what it takes to win more races.

"We are hungry for it. China was good, but we want more of those results because they always make us feel so good."

It is testimony to the differing kind of races the two drivers have endured so far that Hamilton has amassed 32 overtaking manoeuvres this season to Button's seven.

Button has been aided by making the right calls at the right time, and that has resulted in his comfortable wins in Melbourne and Shanghai. In comparison, Hamilton has been forced to fight his way through the field from difficult positions, either through circumstances or a lapse in judgment either by himself or the team.

Nevertheless, Hamilton has astonished himself, albeit again giving credit to a car that a year ago was being lapped, rather than doing any overtaking.

"Thirty two? Really?" said Hamilton when informed of his feat.

"Well, I always race my heart out, so I guess that's what happens.

"I'm not afraid of overtaking other drivers. I actually love a decent battle out on the track, and I'm pleased that I've been able to fight in these past few races.

"I have to say I'm helped by the car. It really gives you the confidence you need to attack.

"It also feels extremely strong under braking, so it does make it easier to successfully pull off a good move."