Five things we learned from the Australian Grand Prix

The Formula One circus is back on the road, and it feels as if it had never been gone. We are already growing accustomed to talking about Alfa Romeo and Racing point, and next week, the action will move to Bahrain. But before we head for the desert, let’s take a look back at events from Australia and see what clues they might give regarding the season ahead.

Hamilton has a rival

All the talk at the end of last year was about Esteban Ocon and how Toto Wolff would be impatient to promote him from the reserve driver role when Bottas’ contract ends at the end of 2019. Suddenly, the F1 world is not so sure. The Finn knows he is driving for his career after being outclassed throughout 2018, and the way he muscled past Hamilton in the opening lap suggests he is up for the challenge. For those looking to predict the outcome of the race in Bahrain, Hamilton is still favourite, but Bottas is only a fraction behind him with the bookmakers.

Business as usual for Ferrari

At pre-season testing in Barcelona, Ferrari looked to have the fastest package by some margin. Yet we have heard it all before and when it came to race day, neither Vettel nor Leclerc could get the balance right or really switch on the tyres when they needed to. Those in Maranello say the team will bounce back in Bahrain, but the Tifosi will already be wondering if there is another season of under achievement in store.

Honda are back

It had been more than 10 years since a Honda powered car featured on the podium, but all that changed in Australia. Jos Verstappen was the driver of the day for many, and it took all Lewis Hamilton’s guile and race craft to stay ahead in the final laps and hold on for second. The ambitious Dutchman will be looking to go at least one step higher in Bahrain and could be the biggest threat to Mercedes this season.

Fastest lap point adds an extra dimension

Some purists were cynical about the new rule that awards an extra point for the fastest lap, but they would do well to remember that this is just the reintroduction of a system that was in place in the earliest days of Formula One. The battle adds an extra dimension and will keep interest alive when we are faced with those races that become a little processional in the closing stages.

Haas the midfield chargers

The ever popular Kevin Magnussen was the only driver outside the top three teams not to be lapped, and Haas looks like the early form team among the midfielders. This is in spite of their habit of self-destructing during pit stops. A problem with the front left wheel cost Romain Grosjean’s several seconds and ultimately led to his retirement. Nevertheless, Hass is the team to watch, and the tussle with Renault and Racing Point will provide a compelling story within a story throughout the season.