F1: Daniel Ricciardo Wins Scorching Malaysian GP As Rosberg Finishes 3rd
Sameer Contractor
1 min read
Oct 02, 2016, 10:12 PM
Key Highlights
- Ricciardo secured his first win of the season and 5th podium of the year
- Hamilton's engine blew up on Lap 40 causing him to retire in the race
- Rosberg put up a remarkable performance from 17th to 3rd in the race
It was a fiery weekend at the Sepang International Circuit as Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo snatched the victory in the Malaysian Grand Prix ahead of teammate Max Verstappen and Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg, who finished second and third respectively. Also helping Ricciardo seal his victory was Lewis Hamilton's untimely retirement from the race after his engine went into a ball of flames on Lap 40 sealing the Australian's win.
The Malaysian GP started with Hamilton on pole and was looking to secure a win after Rosberg's three consecutive victories in the previous races. Meanwhile, Nico started second followed by the two Red Bulls. The action packed race showed excitement from the first corner itself as Sebastian Vettel punted Rosberg into a spin at the very first corner. The Ferrari driver was battling with Verstappen for the third position and understeered into Rosberg breaking his left-front suspension.
Luckily, the Mercedes driver escaped without any major damages, but the move did cause Rosberg to lose his dominant position and was pushed back to 17th. The German driver then made a remarkable recovery to the third after hitting Kimi Raikkonen when passing him on Turn 2 and also received a 10 second penalty for the same.
The spectacle however, came from Red Bull as Ricciardo showed his finesse on the track as he held on to the second position against Verstappen, despite the latter coming close to a gap of 1.1 seconds, which increased in the closing stages. However, Hamilton's blow up paved the way for the Red Bulls to battle for the pole.
Ricciardo's finish at the podium is also well deserved as the driver had been longing won for a long time this season after coming close in Monaco and Spain races. The Malaysian GP also marks the driver's first win of the season, fifth podium finish of the year and fourth win of his career. In fact, it was for the first time that the Australian national anthem was played on podium after being played last in 2014.
The Malaysian GP also marked Jenson Button's 300th race start and the McLaren driver finished 9th at the end of the chequered flag. Bottas, who started 11th on the grid finished 5th ahead of Sergio Perez, Fernando Alonso and Nico Hulkenburg.
As for retirements, Felipe Nasr of Sauber retired late in the race, while Gutirerrez spun off after a sudden brake failure ending his run. Renault's Kevin Magnussen had a terrible weekend after the fire issue during free practice 1 and the damaged bodywork caused him to lose speed. His slow pace couldn't see him push much and retired the car after 18 laps.
Hamilton's DNF has also resulted in Rosberg securing the driver's championship trophy with a lead of 23 points. With five races left, things are only going to get aggressive from hereon as Hamilton will be looking to regain his dominance on the track, something we will be looking forward to at the Japanese GP next week.
Malaysian GP F1
Luckily, the Mercedes driver escaped without any major damages, but the move did cause Rosberg to lose his dominant position and was pushed back to 17th. The German driver then made a remarkable recovery to the third after hitting Kimi Raikkonen when passing him on Turn 2 and also received a 10 second penalty for the same.
Lewis Hamilton's engine blow up on Lap 40 pushed him out of the race
Ricciardo's finish at the podium is also well deserved as the driver had been longing won for a long time this season after coming close in Monaco and Spain races. The Malaysian GP also marks the driver's first win of the season, fifth podium finish of the year and fourth win of his career. In fact, it was for the first time that the Australian national anthem was played on podium after being played last in 2014.
Both Red Bulls battled hard to fight for the top spot
As for retirements, Felipe Nasr of Sauber retired late in the race, while Gutirerrez spun off after a sudden brake failure ending his run. Renault's Kevin Magnussen had a terrible weekend after the fire issue during free practice 1 and the damaged bodywork caused him to lose speed. His slow pace couldn't see him push much and retired the car after 18 laps.
Just a bad day Lewis Hamilton
Related News
Latest Cars
Upcoming Cars
Latest News
Sarthak Mahajan | Aug 27, 2026Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Reveals New ‘Tata.Cars’ Brand IdentityLegal name continues to remain Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Ltd.1 min read
Sarthak Mahajan | Aug 27, 2026Yamaha YZF-R2: In PicturesYamaha Motor India has launched the YZF-R2 at Rs 2.30 lakh, positioned above the Yamaha R15 V4.2 mins read
Sarthak Mahajan | Aug 27, 2026Gabriel India To Acquire 30% Stake In HL Klemove India Private Limited For ADASGabriel India will acquire a 30 per cent less one share stake in HL Klemove India for US$98.44 million (approximately ₹935 crore).1 min read
Jafar Rizvi | Aug 27, 2026Yamaha YZF-R2 vs Yamaha R15: Differences ExplainedThe R2 and R15 look nearly identical but there are several differences between the two.5 mins read
Jaiveer Mehra | Aug 27, 20262027 Renault Kwid Makes Global Debut With Updated Looks, New TechExterior styling changes aside, the biggest updates arrive in the form of a new 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and a large 10.1-inch touchscreen.1 min read
Sarthak Mahajan | Aug 27, 2026Range Rover Sport Twenty Edition Launched at Rs 1.90 CroreThe brand celebrates 20 years of Range Rover Sport production with the special Twenty Edition.1 min read
Preetam Bora | Aug 25, 20262026 Hero Xoom 160 Review: Maxi-mum Potential!With styling and proportions that goes into actual maxi-scooter territory, a liquid-cooled engine and large 14-inch wheels, the Hero Xoom 160 holds a lot of promise. But should you buy it?9 mins read
Seshan Vijayraghvan | Aug 19, 20262026 BMW X1 Long-Wheelbase Review: Is This The X1 To Buy?Along with the extra rear legroom, the new BMW X1 LWB offers more features, more safety tech, and a more powerful petrol engine. But do these updates actually make it a better SUV?1 min read
Janak Sorap | Aug 17, 2026Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS First Ride Review: The Most Tech-Loaded Pulsar Yet?The Bajaj Pulsar N160 SS brings more power, new-age electronics and sharper styling to the familiar 160cc Pulsar formula.5 mins read
Jaiveer Mehra | Aug 16, 2026Honda Amaze CVT Long Term First Report: 1800 Km InThe Amaze is the first sedan to join our long term feet in a year, and while on paper it lacks some of the features offered in its rivals, there’s plenty of promise in the package.1 min read
Preetam Bora | Aug 12, 2026Royal Enfield Himalayan 440 Custom Review: Beating RE to the PunchDelhi-based custom motorcycle shop TNT Motorcycles introduces packages to convert existing Himalayan 411 adventure bikes to Himalayan 440. Is it worth the expense?8 mins read