[More Pictures]

Australia 2008: Lewis' gain, Kimi's pain.

Sunday, 16th March 2008

McLaren ace makes perfect start to 2008 title campaign as Raikkonen loses his head in the Melbourne heat.

There was no disguising the McLaren chief's joy at Hamilton's success, though, as his young protégé took the chequered flag 5.5 seconds to the good at the end of 58 laps of breathless entertainment. Heidfeld held on to a strong second place, with Rosberg visibly emotional at ascending the rostrum for the first time in his increasingly impressive F1 career in third, Williams' first podium finish since, somewhat aptly, Montreal last year.

The battling Alonso and Kovalainen ended up fourth and fifth respectively, with Barrichello classified sixth – though the Honda star may yet be disqualified for leaving the pit-lane with the red light still showing. Nakajima was the final finisher in seventh – taking two points for his efforts in only his second grand prix – with the luckless Bourdais classified eighth and Raikkonen ninth.

Should Barrichello indeed lose his place, Raikkonen will inherit a point, but the real story of the day was the man who walked away with ten of them. Heading to Malaysia in just a week's time, Hamilton's message to his pursuers is clear – catch me if you can.

Advertisement [Go Advertisement Free]

Related Images

[Top of Article]