Australian Grand Prix 2016 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Nico Rosberg launched his championship-winning 2016 campaign with victory at the Australian Grand Prix, defeating Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel at Albert Park. Hamilton had started from pole position but a poor getaway allowed Rosberg to seize the lead into Turn 1, and from there the German controlled proceedings. The victory marked the perfect start to Rosberg's season and established early momentum that would prove crucial in the closest title fight of the hybrid era.

The race featured Rosberg at his strategic best, managing his tires and race pace to keep Hamilton at bay despite persistent pressure from his teammate. Hamilton couldn't find a way past despite having strong pace, while Vettel's podium for Ferrari showed they remained competitive but lacked the ultimate pace to challenge Mercedes consistently. Ricciardo's fastest lap for Red Bull demonstrated their underlying speed even if victories remained elusive.

Rosberg's Australian triumph launched what would become an incredible winning streak of four consecutive victories to open 2016. The victory demonstrated his determination to finally defeat Hamilton for the world championship after two years of disappointment. For Hamilton, the defeat was an early warning that Rosberg had arrived in Melbourne with renewed focus and determination to claim the title that had eluded him.