Lie-Gate scandal a stepping-stone in my life: Hamilton

London, Mar 25 (ANI): Formula One ace Lewis Hamilton has said that he "learned a whole lot" from the Lie-Gate scandal that engulfed him after the Australian Grand Prix in 2009.

Hamilton said that he now views the affair as a "stepping stone" in his life.

"I've always had great experiences here and so I don't look at last year's experience as a bad one. I look at it as a stepping stone in my life, something I learned a whole lot from," Hamilton said.

"My first year in Melbourne I got a podium position in my first race and then in 2008 I came here and won. Last year, don't forget I had a great race. I came from dead last on the grid up to fourth place, so it was still a good experience.

"But 2009 was a tough year altogether. I learned a lot throughout about team building and lifting up the team," he added.

It is almost a year since the British driver was caught lying to stewards after the Down Under dash.

Having started last in 18th in a woeful McLaren, the 25-year-old drove brilliantly to finish fourth, The Sun reports.

Immediately, after the race Hamilton was promoted to third after Jarno Trulli, then with Toyota, was penalised for passing him under the safety car.

But Hamilton was ultimately disqualified after officials decided that he and McLaren had provided misleading evidence about the incident.

He claimed Trulli had overtaken him while the safety car was out, even though he had followed team orders to let the Toyota driver through.

Hamilton apologised a few days later and went on to reveal the stain on his character had made him think about quitting. (ANI)