Australian Grand Prix 2008 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Lewis Hamilton kicked off his 2008 World Championship campaign with a dominant victory at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, leading from pole position to claim his second career win at Albert Park. The British driver controlled the race from start to finish, surviving a late safety car period to beat Nick Heidfeld's BMW Sauber and Nico Rosberg's Williams in what would prove to be the opening chapter of one of F1's most dramatic title battles.

Hamilton's pole position lap of 1:26.714 gave him the ideal starting position on a circuit where track position is crucial. He converted that advantage into an immediate lead, building a comfortable gap over the chasing pack in the opening stint. The McLaren MP4-23 showed strong race pace, and Hamilton managed his tires expertly in the hot Melbourne conditions. Behind him, Heidfeld drove a brilliant race to take second place, capitalizing on the superior pace of the BMW Sauber F1.08 which had emerged as a genuine contender during winter testing.

The race's complexion changed dramatically when the safety car was deployed following accidents in the midfield. This bunched up the field and gave Hamilton's rivals a chance to challenge, but the 23-year-old remained composed and pulled away again on the restart. Rosberg secured his first podium of the season in third place for Williams, while reigning champion Kimi Räikkönen could only manage ninth for Ferrari after a difficult weekend. Felipe Massa's Ferrari retired with mechanical issues, marking a disappointing start for the Italian team's title defense. Hamilton's victory demonstrated his growth as a driver following the heartbreak of losing the 2007 championship, setting the tone for what would become a season-long thriller.