Finland’s Kimi Raikkonen on Sunday became the first driver since Nigel Mansell in 1989 to win his first grand prix at the wheel of a Ferrari.
The new championship leader finished the Australian grand prix clear of world champion Fernando Alonso, with Alonso’s rookie teammate Lewis Hamilton third; completing the youngest ever F1 podium.
Raikkonen, 27, called his race “a bit complicated” after his radio broke down, but added: “I didn’t push too hard, I could pace myself.”
His only mistake of the race came at turn three, when he admits that he locked a wheel because “I was looking at something else”.
“It’s one of those things that happens when you’re not hurrying up so much,” Raikkonen said.
McLaren’s Alonso, who was passed by Hamilton after a poor start to the race, admitted that Ferrari “were a little bit too quick today”.
“We need to work some more if we want to win races,” the Spaniard added.
Felipe Massa, having started at the very rear, climbed through the field to finish a strong sixth.
At a sunny but mild Albert Park circuit just south of Melbourne, David Coulthard provided arguably the most exciting and scary moment when an ambitious passing move sent his car flying over the top of Alex Wurz.
Christijan Albers and Anthony Davidson also locked wheels, and Spyker’s Albers later understeered into a barrier.
Adrian Sutil was penalised by stewards by impeding Hamilton, and Jenson Button for speeding in the pit lane.
BMW’s Nick Heidfeld finished a strong fourth, but his teammate Robert Kubica pulled out, predictably with a broken gearbox.
The Pole said: “We know what our problem is and we have to fix it. Obviously it’s better to finish and score some points.”
In total contrast to fellow rookie Hamilton, Renault’s Heikki Kovalainen had another scrappy day and finished tenth.
Australian GP, race
1 K. Räikkönen Ferrari 1:25:28.770
2 F. Alonso McLaren + 7.242
3 L. Hamilton McLaren + 18.595
4 N. Heidfeld BMW + 38.763
5 G. Fisichella Renault + 1:06.469
6 F. Massa Ferrari + 1:06.805
7 N. Rosberg Williams + 1 lap
8 R. Schumacher Toyota + 1 lap
9 J. Trulli Toyota + 1 lap
10 H. Kovalainen Renault + 1 lap
11 R. Barrichello Honda + 1 lap
12 T. Sato Super Aguri + 1 lap
13 M. Webber Red Bull + 1 lap
14 V. Liuzzi Scuderia Toro Rosso + 1 lap
15 J. Button Honda + 1 lap
16 A. Davidson Super Aguri + 2 laps
17 A. Sutil Spyker F1 + 2 laps
