Mercedes lets it rip: Bottas wins ahead of Hamilton

The 29-year-old Finn beat world champion and teammate Lewis Hamilton to second place at the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday with a surprisingly clear lead of over 20 seconds. For winner Bottas it was the first triumph since November 26, 2017.

The Dutchman Max Verstappen in the Red Bull came third in Melbourne, followed by Sebastian Vettel. In the first of 21 races of the season, the four-time champion suffered the first setback. “Why are we so slow?” he asked his crew a few laps before the end – there was helplessness in the pits: “We don’t know at the moment.” Right at the start of his mission to finally win the title with Ferrari at the fifth attempt , the red camp seemed sobered. Fifth place went to Vettel's teammate Charles Leclerc.

Bottas overjoyed “That was definitely the best race I have ever driven,” said Bottas, who also secured the extra point for the fastest lap of the race. This bonus was reintroduced at the start of the 2019 season. Hamilton explained: “I’m happy for the team. Valtteri did a great job.”

Formula 1's next stop is Sakhir, where the Bahrain Grand Prix will take place on March 31st. Australian Grand Prix Pos Name Team Time 1. Valtteri Bottas (FIN) Mercedes 1:25 p.m 2. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Mercedes +20,886 sec 3. Max Verstappen (NED) Red Bull +22,520 4. Sebastian Vettel (GER) Ferrari +57,109 5. Charles Leclerc (MON) Ferrari +58,230 6. Kevin Magnussen (DEN) Haas + 1: 27,156 7. Nico Hulkenberg (GER) Renault +1 round 8. Kimi Räikkönen (END) Alfa Romeo +1 round 9. Lance Stroll (CAN) Racing Point +1 round 10. Daniil Kvyat (RUS) Toro Rosso +1 round

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Mercedes lets it rip: Bottas wins ahead of Hamilton

Valtteri Bottas won the Formula 1 season opener in a Mercedes.

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