Jenson Button started his 2012 campaign in spectacular fashion, taking a commanding lead and eventually winning the 2012 Australian Grand Prix. Button overtook teammate Hamilton on the 1st corner of the 1st lap as both McLarens then pulled an 11 second gap on 3rd placed Schumacher.
Vettel inherited 4th place after a bad start from Grosjean and Webber, only to find himself in 2nd place after seven time world champion Michael Schumacher retired due to a gearbox problem, and a safety car period costing Hamilton runner-up position.
Mark Webber took 4th place in the second Red Bull after failing to overtake Hamilton during a late challenge against the Briton.
Alonso’s 5th place finish was heavily threatened as Williams’ Maldonado was right on his tail, until he lost control of his car and crashed.
Sauber weren’t lying when they said there’s more to come from the car, as both drivers got in the points, with Kobayashi taking 6th and Perez 8th.
After qualifying in a disappointing 18th position, Kimi Raikkonen surged through the field to finish between the two Saubers in 7th.
Toro Rosso’s Ricciardo and Force India’s Di Resta rounded up the top 10 in respective order, after an impressive maiden race from the Australian.
McLaren now leads the constructors’ championship with 40 points, 10 points clear of 2nd placed Red Bull, and 28 points ahead of 3rd placed Sauber.
Pos Driver Team Time 1. Button McLaren-Mercedes 1h34:09.565 2. Vettel Red Bull-Renault + 2.100 3. Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes + 4.000 4. Webber Red Bull-Renault + 4.500 5. Alonso Ferrari + 21.500 6. Kobayashi Sauber-Ferrari + 36.700 7. Raikkonen Lotus-Renault + 38.000 8. Perez Sauber-Ferrari + 39.400 9. Ricciardo Toro Rosso-Ferrari + 39.500 10. Di Resta Force India-Mercedes + 39.700 11. Vergne Toro Rosso-Ferrari + 39.800 12. Rosberg Mercedes + 57.600 13. Maldonado Williams-Renault + 1 lap 14. Glock Marussia-Cosworth + 1 lap 15. Pic Marussia-Cosworth + 2 laps 16. Senna Williams-Renault + 4 laps