11 Brilliant Moments From The Mad Australian Grand Prix

<h3>1. Lightning start for Vettel<h3>

Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton locked out the front row but a rocket-like start by Sebastian Vettel saw the Ferrari driver lead into Turn 1 – finally, a first lap that didn’t end with a Mercedes one-two!

Streamable via BottasWMR/Reddit

2. Quite a reaction

The start prompted this reaction from Ferrari team principal Maurizio Arrivabene.

Kevin Magnussen’s stunning Renault RS16 (probably the best looking car on the grid) suffered a puncture on the opening lap, which caused a huge shower of sparks. This was the view from Jenson Button’s car.

<h3>4. Overtakes everywhere<h3>

We saw plenty of great battles and scraps in the early stages of the Australian GP, including these moves from Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.

Streamables are via BottasWMR/Reddit

5. Scary smash

Fernando Alonso and Esteban Gutierrez made contact on the run to Turn 3 on lap 18. The collision sparked a massive smash for Alonso, flipping several times. You can see clips of the crash here, but this picture of what was left of the car proves just how brutal it was.

6. Flames above the Iceman’s head

Kimi Raikkonen was running well and looked set for a good result until his car caught fire and he had to retire. But he didn’t seem to be in any rush to exit the car, as flames exited the airbox above his head. Typical Iceman.

7. More intense scraps

The midfield pack was typically intense, with some fascinating fights, particularly involving the two Toro Rosso drivers. Max Verstappen was not happy to be stuck behind his team-mate, venting several times over team radio.

8. Stunning save

More amazing drifting from Verstappen, he has some serious car control skills!

<h3>9. Vettel makes a rare mistake<h3>

The scrap for second place between Hamilton and Vettel was heating up with just a handful of laps to go but a rare error cut short that fight and decided the final podium positions.

Streamable via vorin/Reddit

Good old Vettel, he made a joke of throwing a cap at Hamilton before going up to the podium, recreating the famous ‘capgate’ from last year.

11. Podium pranks

Ever the troll, Vettel then decided to pour champagne over former team-mate and podium interviewer Mark Webber – it’s good to see they get along now!

What was your favourite moment from the race?