Back slaps and high fives have been rare sights in the McLaren Formula One sheds of late.

But they finally returned at the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday after something even more unlikely occurred.

Rookie Kevin Magnussen became the first Danish driver in history to claim a Formula One podium finish by sealing third in the Albert Park season opener.

It ended a horror drought for McLaren which failed to reach the podium in 2013 – their worst season in decades.

And all while on F1 debut.

“I can’t believe it,” he said.

“It’s not a win but it definitely feels like a win.

“The team is coming off a difficult season and they just wanted to come back, they have worked so hard in the winter.

“And they are working with a rookie without any experience.

“But they made me feel at home and comfortable. I could not have asked for more.”

Magnussen replaced Mexican Sergio Perez, ensuring he became the first rookie since Lewis Hamilton in 2007 to make his F1 debut with McLaren.

The 21-year-old son of former F1 racer Jan immediately upstaged teammate and former world champion Jenson Button at Melbourne qualifying, clocking the fourth fastest time.

Button qualified 10th on the grid.

After snapping McLaren’s drought, Magnussen boldly claimed they could vie for the F1 constructors’ championship in 2014 after Button placed fourth in Melbourne on Sunday.

“I believe we can. I did not have any issues with the car that we weren’t expecting,” he said.

“Luckily nothing came up that we couldn’t handle today.”