Lewis Hamilton claimed his first podium as a Mercedes driver but admits that team mate Nico Rosberg was more deserving of a podium finish.
Hamilton led home Rosberg after the German was issued team orders to maintain position.
"That was a fantastic job by the team today, " said Hamilton.
"They worked so hard over the winter and to achieve a podium at the second race of the season is a nice reward, particularly here in Malaysia at one of our home races. I have to say big congratulations to Nico. He drove a smarter and more controlled race than me this afternoon and deserved to finish where I did. The team made the call for us to hold positions and we both respected that. The race was tough, we were fighting hard with Red Bull and went aggressive on our fuel strategy but they were just too good today. Third and fourth places is still a great result for us however and just increases our motivation to keep pushing and close that gap."
"Of course, it was disappointing for me having to hold position but I understand the team's decision to safeguard our positions and to make sure that both cars got to the end with a strong team finish, especially in light of the tough times behind us," added Rosberg.