Lewis Hamilton has written off his chances of taking another stride towards retaining his world title in Barcelona in a fortnight.

Hamilton put all thoughts of Wednesday's 'lie-gate' hearing out of his mind to finish fourth in Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix.

McLaren have worked 24/7 to give Hamilton a competitive car worthy of his status and given their woes before the season started.

The 24-year-old was strong off the line at the Sakhir circuit, and at one stage a podium place was potentially on the cards.

But the one-two-three of Jenson Button in his Brawn, the Red Bull of Sebastien Vettel and Toyota's Jarno Trulli were too strong for Hamilton.

Hamilton readily concedes there is work to do, and although McLaren - like every other team - will sport a new package of updates for the Spanish Grand Prix on May 10, he is not expecting miracles.

"I'm delighted with fourth," smiled Hamilton.

"It was definitely a good race for the team, and an encouraging step forward, but we've got to do a lot more work, to keep pushing.

"The Toyotas, Red Bulls and Brawns were so fast in the high-speed corners that it was just impossible to keep up.

"So I wouldn't suggest we're really fighting back up there. We have just done a better job than other people as they have made mistakes and we have collected the points.

"At least this was my best result of the season so far, which is great for the team. I'm glad I was able to bring some points home.

"It feels good to have made a step, to have consistency and we now have a foundation to improve, but we're still a long way behind with the car.

"When we get to Barcelona the gap will be bigger because it's a high-downforce circuit.

"We should challenge for the top 10 there, but another top-five finish will be harder."

Hamilton, though, refused to be drawn on whether his drive was at least a positive for himself and the team ahead of the date with the World Motor Sport Council in Paris.

"I'm not thinking about Wednesday," dismissed Hamilton.

"This is just another good boost for the team, for morale, to keep pushing so we can get back to the front."

Team principal Martin Whitmarsh hailed Hamilton's performance as "a great drive", fuelling his belief McLaren are firmly heading in the right direction following a wayward pre-season.

"Lewis made no mistakes during the race and pushed aggressively," assessed Whitmarsh, who will fight McLaren's cause on Wednesday.

"Without the pace to match the Toyotas, Brawns or Red Bulls, fourth place was a very strong result, and it's even more pleasing that we are steadily moving closer to their pace.

"A podium was in our grasp today, but we didn't quite make it.

"Overall, however, this circuit possibly flattered us a little, but we've nonetheless made substantial progress over the past few weeks.

"Our competitors won't stand still, but we will keep improving until we get back to where we expect to be - at the front."