Lewis Hamilton took victory down under to kick off his world championship defence in the best way. Nico Rosberg completed another Mercedes 1-2, whilst Vettel came home third on his Ferrari début.
The race was high on attrition, with just 15 cars making the start. The two Manors failed to qualify, whilst Valtteri Bottas withdrew with a back injury he picked up in qualifying. Kevin Magnussen and Daniil Kvyat failed to make it to the grid, with the Honda engine blowing up on the out lap for the Dane and Kvyat’s gearbox packing up.
The 15 car grid was soon reduced to 14 when the lights went out, contact between Maldonado, Nasr and Raikkonen – who was recovering from contact with team mate Vettel – sending the Lotus of Maldonado into the wall. The first safety car of the season was deployed. During the period, Maldonado’s team mate Grosjean retired with engine troubles.
Hamilton got a great jump on Rosberg at the restart, with Felipe Nasr pulling off a great move on fellow rookie Carlos Sainz to move further up the points.
Pitstops played a crucial part in the Grand Prix. Kimi Raikkonen, stuck behind Ricciardo’s Red Bull, pitted to try and undercut the home favourite, but a slow left rear ended the Fin’s hopes of coming out in front. Indeed, later in the race a second ruined stop saw the Ferrari retire with a wheel nut not fully locked in place.
Carlos Sainz also suffered in the pits, with his Toro Rosso mechanics joining the struggles and forcing him to spend an age in the box. Vettel, however, had no such issues. He undercut the Williams of Massa, who got stuck behind Ricciardo – ultimately costing him third place.
Max Verstappen put in a great drive for Toro Rosso, but his race ended early when his Renault power unit packed up.
Only 11 cars finished the race, with Jenson Button surprisingly getting the McLaren to the end – albeit as the only car not to pick up a point. He had a great duel with former team mate Perez – with the pair coming together once at turn 3.
Full Race Results:
- Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 1:31:54.067
- Nico Rosberg, Mercedes, +1.360
- Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari, +34.523
- Felipe Massa, Williams, +38.196
- Felipe Nasr, Sauber, +1:35.149
- Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull, + 1 lap
- Nico Hulkenberg, Force India, + 1 lap
- Marcus Ericsson, Sauber, + 1 lap
- Carlos Sainz Jr, Toro Rosso, + 1 lap
- Sergio Perez, Force India, + 1 lap
- Jenson Button, McLaren, +2 laps
- Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari, DNF
- Max Verstappen, Toro Rosso, DNF
- Romain Grosjean, Lotus, DNF
- Pastor Maldonado, Lotus, DNF
- Daniil Kvyat, Red Bull, DNS
- Kevin Magnussen, McLaren, DNS
- Valtteri Bottas, Williams, Withdrew
- Will Stevens, Manor Marussia, DNQ
- Roberto Mehri, Manor Marussia, DNQ
Pictures courtesy of Mercedes AMG F1 Team
