AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX - TEAM MERCEDES MADE IT P.1 AND P.2. THE END.

I would, with some caution, expect that Hamilton will take the lead of the Championship table by the end of the 3rd Grand Prix.

And what of the unyielding Verstappen, who pursued Hamilton so relentlessly during the final dozen or so laps of the race, getting to within .0.600 of a second of Hamilton? 

As I watched these two doing battle, I wondered whether Hamilton might not have thought the his pursuer would catch and overtook him. 

Whether the final half a dozen laps might not have seemed like the longest laps of the race to Hamilton, and, indeed, Max, but from different perspectives and for different reasons.

Unfortunately for Ricciardo, he was not able to finish the race, and must now await the next race to have the opportunity to deliver for his new team.

The Australian Grand Prix of 2019, it seems to me, was not a great or fantastic one, but it provided the opportunity for some exciting and thrilling moments during the race.

Lewis Hamilton is probably not alone in wanting the next Grand Prix, the Bahrain Grand Prix, to come as quickly as it can.  

So that he can have his first opportunity to remind his team mate of who is the master racer and winner of grand prix. 

And thereby correct the probably wrong impression which the result of the AGP has conveyed to some.

In the meantime, it is only fair and sporting, that we should all acknowledge Valtteri Bottas' achievement in setting the marker for what is likely to be one of the most competitive Formula 1 season. 

With its higher than usual intake of new racers, whose respect their elders, is unlikely be a deterrent.  

To them trying to maximise whatever opportunities their cars, race strategies and track circumstances provide them with, to gain any advantages they can.