Hamilton happy to achieve damage limitation

The defending Formula One world champion began from pole position, but a poor getaway and a minor coming-together with Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg - who went on to win the race - saw him drop down to sixth place inside the opening few corners. 

Published : Mar 20, 2016 15:27 IST , Melbourne

Kimi Raikkonen's retirement and a poor strategy choice from his Ferrari team-mate Sebastian Vettel gave Hamilton the opportunity to drive his Mercedes home in second place, leaving the Brit content with how the race panned out. 
Kimi Raikkonen's retirement and a poor strategy choice from his Ferrari team-mate Sebastian Vettel gave Hamilton the opportunity to drive his Mercedes home in second place, leaving the Brit content with how the race panned out. 
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Kimi Raikkonen's retirement and a poor strategy choice from his Ferrari team-mate Sebastian Vettel gave Hamilton the opportunity to drive his Mercedes home in second place, leaving the Brit content with how the race panned out. 

Lewis Hamilton was pleased to achieve damage limitation following a disastrous start to the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on Sunday.

The defending Formula One world champion began from pole position, but a poor getaway and a minor coming-together with Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg - who went on to win the race - saw him drop down to sixth place inside the opening few corners. 

Strokes of luck

However, a terrifying crash involving Fernando Alonso saw the race halted after 19 laps, allowing Hamilton to work his way back up the field. 

Kimi Raikkonen's retirement and a poor strategy choice from his Ferrari team-mate Sebastian Vettel gave Hamilton the opportunity to drive his Mercedes home in second place, leaving the Brit content with how the race panned out. 

"I came back from quite far behind so I feel that I achieved quite a lot, so I'm really happy I did damage limitation, the team did a great job," the Brit told Sky Sports F1.

"We thought Ferrari were going to be close. I knew they would be quicker in qualifying if they had another lap. Nico doesn't seem to think he had problems following them, so that's interesting.

"When Sebastian was following me I was excited because I was in a race. But unfortunately this track doesn't let you have serious battles."

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