F1: Hamilton takes 2015 opener ahead of Rosberg for Mercedes one-two
Ryan Joseph Ramos March 15, 2015
New season, more of the same. That’s how it looked — and they made it look easy — for the Mercedes team at the opening of the 2015 Formula One season in Australia. Lewis Hamilton took the race win ahead of teammate Nico Rosberg for another Mercedes one-two finish, showing the world that the team-to-beat has not changed.
Sebastian Vettel made his debut for the Ferrari team in grand fashion, taking the third spot on the podium after fending off a relentless Felipe Massa.
Hamilton and Rosberg were all praises for the team on the radio after clinching first and second, respectively. “Great work, guys. Really awesome car,” said Rosberg.
The race was marred by numerous incidents, some even before the race started. Manor Motorsport could not take part, Fernando Alonso was injured in the preseason. Valtteri Bottas was ruled out because of a back injury. Kevin Magnussen, who replaced Alonso, saw his ride’s power unit conk out on him as he headed out for the assembly lap. Multiple guys retired during the race, leaving only 11 guys reaching the finish line.
MAN AND MACHINE: @LewisHamilton pats his @MercedesAMGF1 car after winning the 2015 #AusGP at Albert Park pic.twitter.com/y5mYqSnYWj
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 15, 2015
Only McLaren’s Jenson Button was not able to get any points among the finishers. Here are the rest of the top 10 finishers after Massa: Sauber’s Nasr in fifth, Red Bull’s Ricciardo, Force India’s Hulkenberg, Sauber’s Ericsson, Toro Rosso’s Sainz, and Force India’s Perez.
It was indeed a weird yet oddly superb race to kick off the 2015 season. There was chaos, sure, but it also showed that we could be in for a more competitive season thanks to strides made by teams like Ferrari and Williams. Here’s hoping the other teams get their act together and that this will be the last time we’re reduced to a field of 11 by the time the results are out.
