Lewis Hamilton recovered from the misery of completing just half a lap on his opening run to move to the top of the timesheets on the first official day of the new Formula One season.
Less than five minutes into the year's first practice session at Melbourne's Albert Park, and on his maiden installation lap, Hamilton's Mercedes ground to a halt due to a sensor calibration problem that cut out the power unit.
That was it for Hamilton until the start of second free practice, when he more than made up for lost time and underlined his status as championship favourite in the wake of Mercedes' impressive form in pre-season testing.
Hamilton walks beside his car as it is carried from the track after technical problems on the first lap
The 29-year-old completed 37 laps - only three drivers managed more - and was quickest to boot with a lap of one minute 29.625secs.
That, however, was 3.7secs slower than the fastest lap in the equivalent sessions a year ago, such is the difference between the new 1.6-litre V6 turbo-charged power units and the old 2.4-litre V8s.
Given the proliferation of problems encountered by all the teams in pre-season testing in the wake of sweeping regulation changes over the winter, the top five was not too far removed from the majority of practice sessions last season, with four champions included.
F1 Australian GP practice
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Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain climbs from his car after technical problems stopped it on the first lap of the first practice session of the Formula One Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 14, 2014. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCKIMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain (C) looks at his car after technical problems stopped it on the first lap of the first practice session of the Formula One Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 14, 2014. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCKIMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Smoke comes from the back of the Mercedes driven by Lewis Hamilton of Britain after technical problems stopped it on the first lap of the first practice session of the Formula One Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 14, 2014. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCKIMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain climbs out as smoke comes from the back of his car after technical problems on the first lap of the first practice session of the Formula One Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 14, 2014. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCKIMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain walks beside his car as it is carried from the track after technical problems on the first lap of the first practice session of the Formula One Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 14, 2014. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCKIMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
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The car of Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain is lifted off the track after technical problems stopped it on the first lap of the first practice session of the Formula One Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 14, 2014. AFP PHOTO / Paul CROCKIMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE (Photo credit should read PAUL CROCK/AFP/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(07 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: (L-R) Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Infiniti Red Bull Racing and Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Infiniti Red Bull Racing attend a media session following practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(08 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Sergio Perez of Mexico and Force India drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(09 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Kevin Magnussen of Denmark and McLaren drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(10 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(11 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Nico Rosberg of Germany and Mercedes GP drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(12 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Nico Hulkenberg of Germany and Force India drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(13 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Infiniti Red Bull Racing attends a media session following practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(14 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Infiniti Red Bull Racing attends a media session following practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(15 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Jean-Eric Vergne of France and Scuderia Toro Rosso drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(16 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Infiniti Red Bull Racing attends a media session following practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(17 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Kevin Magnussen of Denmark and McLaren drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(18 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Nico Rosberg of Germany and Mercedes GP drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(19 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Race fans attend practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(20 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Esteban Gutierrez of Mexico and Sauber F1 drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(21 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Jenson Button of Great Britain and McLaren drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(22 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Romain Grosjean of France and Lotus drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(23 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Adrian Sutil of Germany and Sauber F1 drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(24 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Daniil Kvyat of Russia and Scuderia Toro Rosso drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(25 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Jean-Eric Vergne of France and Scuderia Toro Rosso drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(26 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Infiniti Red Bull Racing attends a media session following practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(27 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Max Chilton of Great Britain and Marussia drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(28 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Infiniti Red Bull Racing attends a media session following practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(29 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Jean-Eric Vergne of France and Scuderia Toro Rosso drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(30 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Felipe Massa of Brazil and Williams drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(31 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Jean-Eric Vergne of France and Scuderia Toro Rosso drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(32 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Nico Hulkenberg of Germany and Force India drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(33 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Race fans attend practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(34 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Race fans attend practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(35 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Nico Rosberg of Germany and Mercedes GP drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(36 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Nico Hulkenberg of Germany and Force India drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(37 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Adrian Sutil of Germany and Sauber F1 drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(38 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Max Chilton of Great Britain and Marussia drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(39 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Valtteri Bottas of Finland and Williams drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(40 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Romain Grosjean of France and Lotus drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(41 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Kimi Raikkonen of Finland and Ferrari drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(42 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Felipe Massa of Brazil and Williams drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(43 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Romain Grosjean of France and Lotus drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(44 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Infiniti Red Bull Racing attends a media session following practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(45 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Valtteri Bottas of Finland and Williams drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(46 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Fernando Alonso of Spain and Ferrari drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(47 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Sergio Perez of Mexico and Force India drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(48 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Fernando Alonso of Spain and Ferrari drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(49 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Infiniti Red Bull Racing attends a media session following practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(50 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Fernando Alonso of Spain and Ferrari drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(51 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Jean-Eric Vergne of France and Scuderia Toro Rosso drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(52 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Nose cone of the McLaren is seen during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(53 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Kimi Raikkonen of Finland and Ferrari prepares to drive during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(54 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Nico Hulkenberg of Germany and Force India drives down the pitlane during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(55 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Infiniti Red Bull Racing drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(56 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Pastor Maldonado of Venezuela and Lotus drives down the pitlane during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(57 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Nico Hulkenberg of Germany and Force India drives down the pitlane during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(58 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Kimi Raikkonen of Finland and Ferrari drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(59 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Infiniti Red Bull Racing drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(60 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Kevin Magnussen of Denmark and McLaren drives down the pitlane during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(61 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Kevin Magnussen of Denmark and McLaren drives down the pitlane during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(62 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Infiniti Red Bull Racing drives down the pitlane during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(63 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Infiniti Red Bull Racing drives down the pitlane during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(64 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Infiniti Red Bull Racing drives down the pitlane during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(65 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Infiniti Red Bull Racing drives down the pitlane during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(66 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Sebastian Vettel of Germany and Infiniti Red Bull Racing drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(67 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Infiniti Red Bull Racing prepares to drive during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(68 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Jean-Eric Vergne of France and Scuderia Toro Rosso drives down the pitlane during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(69 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(70 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Daniil Kvyat of Russia and Scuderia Toro Rosso drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(71 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Felipe Massa of Brazil and Williams drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(72 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Nico Rosberg of Germany and Mercedes GP drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(73 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Infiniti Red Bull Racing drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(74 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes GP drives during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Australian F1 Grand Prix - Practice(75 of75)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 14: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Infiniti Red Bull Racing prepares to drive during practice for the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park on March 14, 2014 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Hamilton had team-mate Nico Rosberg for company, the German 0.157secs adrift, followed by Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel of Red Bull and McLaren's Jenson Button.
Vettel completed a session-high 40 laps, a triumph of sorts given Red Bull were one of the teams worst affected by testing gremlins.
The reigning four-time champion sat out the opening 50 minutes of FP1 as his engineers changed the floor on his seemingly troublesome car, yet come the end of the day Vettel was 0.756secs adrift of Hamilton, with new team-mate Daniel Ricciardo in close attendance in seventh, just 0.157secs back.