The decision in the duel between the Mercedes drivers dropped already on the first meters, to overtake as Bottas from the Pole Position, launched in Hamilton. The way is then clear for the Finns for the fourth Grand Prix victory. The last time had won the North country in the final of the penultimate event of the season in Abu Dhabi.

Bottas was in Albert Park in a class by itself. In the end he took the chequered flag 20 seconds ahead of Hamilton, in the meantime, the margin was on the world champion in about 25 seconds. The sweet success rounded Bottas with the fastest lap of the race, which brings in from this season (again) an additional world championship point.

Ferrari disappointing

With its flawless appearance Bottas also made in-house advertising. With Frenchman Esteban Ocon, the this season at Mercedes as a replacement rider, he feels a competitor in the neck, and then as his successor for the coming year is traded.

Behind the Mercedes Duo of Max Verstappen in the Red Bull third ahead of Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari. The Red were the big Beaten this Sunday – they had seen in the run-up to the start of the season due to test drives impressions in the best Position.

Raikkonen scores for Alfa Romeo

For the Team Alfa Romeo returnees Kimi caused Raikkonen for the first four world championship points. The Finn finished in 8th place. The Italian, Antonio Giovinazzi ended his Premiere as a regular driver in the formula 1 in 15th place.

A disappointment of the bitter kind has Romain Grosjean from Team Haas. The France-driving in Geneva was forced by the incorrectly fitted left-front wheel. The same mishap with the pit crew in Melbourne was run in the previous year. Of the bad work is also Grosjeans team-mate Kevin Magnussen was affected. At the car, the left had not been attached to the rear tire correctly.

Ranking: 1. Valtteri Bottas (FIN), Mercedes. 2. the Lewis Hamilton (GBR), Mercedes, 20,886 back. 3. Max Verstappen (NED), Red Bull-Honda, 22,520. 4. Sebastian Vettel (GER), Ferrari, 57,109. 5. Charles Leclerc (MON), Ferrari, 58,230. 6. Kevin Magnussen (DEN), Haas-Ferrari, 87,156. 7. one lap: Nico Hulkenberg (GER), Renault. 8. Kimi Raikkonen (FIN), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari. 9. Lance Stroll (CAN), Racing Point-Mercedes. 10. Daniil Kwjat (RUS) Toro Rosso-Honda. Also: 15. Antonio Giovinazzi (ITA), Alfa Romeo-Ferrari. – 20 drivers started, 17 classified.

world Cup (1/21) driver: 1. Bottas 26. 2. Hamilton 18. 3. Verstappen 15*. 4. Vettel 12. 5. Leclerc 10. 6. Magnussen 8. 7. Hulkenberg 6. 8. Raikkonen 4. 9. Stroll 2. 10. Kwjat 1.–* 1 extra point for the fastest lap. Teams: 1. Mercedes 44. 2. Ferrari 22. 3. Red Bull-Honda 15. 4. Haas-Ferrari 8. 5. Renault 6. 6. Alfa Romeo-Ferrari 4. 7. Racing Point-Mercedes 2. 8. Toro Rosso-Honda 1. (dho/sda)

Created: 17.03.2019, 08:47 PM