Hamilton enjoys Melbourne return

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Despite having to negotiate three safety-car periods in the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, the McLaren driver was rarely troubled after taking the lead from pole position into the first corner and won by 5.4 seconds from BMW Sauber's Nick Heidfeld.

"If I needed to have pushed more I could," he said. "But I was quite happy and quite comfortable driving at the pace I was at."

He added: "I was keeping in touch with the team and they were telling me I had half a second compared to everyone else. I just kept it that way."

Hamilton had talked throughout the build-up to the 58-lap race about how he was better now prepared to cope with the rigours of Formula One, something he felt was a factor in his triumph on a scorching Melbourne afternoon.

"You could see that last year was pretty tough. Not as hot, perhaps, but I think coming this year my preparation was much better," he added.

"I am probably twice as fit this year compared to last year. But also the car was fantastic to drive."

Hamilton's cause was immeasurably helped by the fact Kimi Raikkonen suffered a fuel pump problem in qualifying, meaning the Finn started down in 16th position.

Felipe Massa also spun in the first corner to slip down the field before the Ferrari duo eventually retired with engine failures, although they were not alone as only seven cars made it to the end of the race.

But regardless of the circumstances, Hamilton was delighted to strike the first blow in the 2008 championship battle, adding: "It could not have been better. We have done a superb job all weekend and we really just have to keep our cool."