Formula 1: Bottas wins season opener in Melbourne

A wildly determined Valtteri Bottas races even past Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari and Sebastian Vettel are ripped rashly from the beginning of all dreams: Mercedes has opened the season with a double victory, the supposedly strong Scuderia stumbled on the other hand in the Grand Prix of Australia in the new formula 1 year. Vettel missed out on fourth place behind Red Bull star Max Verstappen.

His new team-mate Charles Leclerc finished fifth. The man of the day was undoubtedly and quite surprisingly Bottas. The "eternal" number two wants to put off all restraint this season, and this announcement he made right in Melbourne true. The Finn took advantage of a weak start by pole setter Hamilton, pulled past and drove in the episode, almost unstoppable to victory.

"That was definitely the best race I've ever driven," said Bottas after his fourth Grand Prix victory. Hamilton said, "I'm happy for the team. Valtteri did a great job. That I lost the lead at the start is a pity. We have to see what it was all about. "

Bottas also secured the extra point for the fastest race lap, which was reintroduced this year, on the last few kilometers and, with a maximum yield of 26 points, is enthroned at the top of the championship ranking. Nico Hülkenberg took seventh place in the Renault on a mixed weekend and was able to leave quite satisfied.