Opening round of the 2007 F1 season, marking Lewis Hamilton's Grand Prix debut and the first all-Bridgestone race since 2000.
Key Facts
- Race winner
- Kimi Räikkönen (Ferrari)
- Laps
- 58
- Pole position
- Kimi Räikkönen
- Lewis Hamilton's debut finish
- 3rd place
- Championship round
- 1st race of 2007 F1 World Championship
- Tyre supplier
- Bridgestone (sole supplier, first since 2000 Malaysia)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The 2007 Formula One World Championship opened at Melbourne following Michelin's withdrawal from F1 after 2006, leaving Bridgestone as the sole tyre supplier. Ferrari's Kimi Räikkönen and McLaren's Fernando Alonso and rookie Lewis Hamilton were among the principal competitors at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
Räikkönen started from pole and led throughout the 58-lap race at the Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit on 18 March 2007, controlling the field from the front. Alonso recovered second place from Hamilton during the second round of pit stops, giving McLaren a double podium behind the winning Ferrari.
Räikkönen took an early championship lead with his victory, while Hamilton's third-place finish on his Grand Prix debut signalled him as a future title contender. The race also confirmed Bridgestone's return as sole tyre supplier, reunifying tyre regulations across the entire field for the first time in seven years.
Result
at Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit, Melbourne, Australia