Lewis Hamilton won Australian Grand Prix, Nick Heidfeld second

McLaren British driver Lewis Hamilton won the season opening Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park, Melbourne on Sunday, 16th March 2008.

The drama simply couldn't catch up with Hamilton's McLaren at the front of the field as the Englishman drove a spectacular and flawless race from start to finish to clinch the first GP of the season and register his first win at Albert Park.

Only seven drivers effectively made it across the chequered flag - with Bourdais and Raikkkonen being classified despite their respective retirements in the dying stages of the race.
McLaren will be disappointed at not having a stronger result from Kovalainen who clearly lost out after the third safety car period threw his pit strategy haywire; and disturbed the one:two formation that the team held through several parts of the race.

BMW proved that they're clearly a team to contend with this season with Nick Heidfeld bringing home a worthy second place for the team after Kubica's misfortune following a great qualifying outing. They will undoubtedly be hunting for their maiden victory sooner than later.

Nico Rosberg registered his first ever podium place and seemed delighted with the Williams package, which also looked impressive all weekend.

Fernando Alonso finished 4th in his Renault, Kovalainen 5th in McLaren, Rubens Barrichello finished sixth with Honda, Kazuki Nakajima seventh in Williams and Sebastien Bourdais grabbed the final point with Toro Rosso.

Force India F1 has the disaster start of their Formula 1 debut season as both of their drivers Giancarlo Fisichella and Adrian Sutil not able to finish the race.

The 58-lap, action-packed race saw six different teams picking up points with McLaren and Williams being the only two constructors to have both their drivers finish in the points.
Ferrari had a race-to-forget and will want to prove a point next weekend as the season turns to Malaysian Grand Prix at the fabulous race-track in Sepang.

Top 3 Drivers at Australian Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton - McLaren

Nick Heidfeld - BMW

Nico Rosberg - Williams


Standing after 1st Race


Driver's Championship

Lewis Hamilton(McLaren) - 10 points

Nick Heidfeld (BMW) - 8 points

Nico Rosberg (Williams) - 6 points


Constructor's Championship

McLaren-Mercedese - 14 points

BMW - 8 points

Williams - 8 points