Ferrari’s Vettel storms to victory in Malaysian Grand Prix

Sebastian Vettel drove a flawless tactical race to claim his maiden victory for Ferrari at the Malaysian Grand Prix on Sunday, registering the first Formula One win for the Italian team since 2013. World champion Lewis Hamilton finished second, 8.5 seconds adrift, with his Mercedes team mate Nico Rosberg crossing the line in third place. Toro Rosso’s Max Verstappen finished in seventh place and at 17-years-old became the youngest points scorer in Formula One.

It’s been a while. I’m speechless. I’m very happy & proud. We beat them fair and square.

Sebastian Vettel

Vettel (pictured) elected not to pit during an earlier safety-car period, while second-placed Lewis Hamilton and third-placed Nico Rosberg did pit in their Mercedes cars, and the clear air at the front of the field enabled Vettel to win by 8.5 seconds at the Sepang International Circuit. Mercedes had won the previous eight races dating back to last season and had been expected to dominate through 2015, but in just the second race of this season, Vettel’s win indicated a potential fight for the championship ahead. It was Ferrari’s first victory since the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix.

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