Valtteri Bottas wins the Formula One season opener in Melbourne ahead of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen

VALTTERI BOTTAS got his season off to a flying start as the Finn won Australian Grand Prix.

Bottas, who did not win a single race in 2018, spent the winter analysing just where he went wrong.

He promised to return stronger in 2019 and more determined – and he certainly looked it here at Albert Park.

For good measure, he also set the fastest lap, earning himself an extra point in the process as part of the new rules for this season.

He said: “I don’t know what just happened… I don’t know what to say! It was definitely my best race ever. I felt so good and the car was so good.

“The point for the fastest lap is a new rule for this year. I had strong pace and while it was a bit of a risk on worn tyres I went for it.

“But I am happy and now cannot wait for the next race.”

Bottas powered his way off the line and beat pole-sitter Hamilton into Turn One, and he held that position until the end.

Hamilton admitted he was confused as to why he lost out to Bottas at the start but praised his team-mate’s victory.

The Brit added: “It was a good weekend for the team and have to be happy.

“Valtteri drove an incredible race and deserved it, but we have a bit of work to do.”

Max Verstappen was third in his Red Bull after overtaking Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, who was fourth.

Verstappen said: “I had to overtake Seb to get on to the podium, which is not easy.

“I was trying to overtake Lewis for second, so being on the podium and challenging the Mercedes car ahead is a very positive for one.”

British rookie Lando Norris was in 12th in his McLaren while George Russell was 16th.

Home favourite Daniel Ricciardo retired having smashed up his front wing on the first lap.