Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes on 'ominous' form as F1 season begins

The build-up to the Australian Grand Prix has been dominated by F1 rule changes and the potential challenge of Ferrari this season, but on the first day of practice in Melbourne, Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes served up a reminder that they are still very much on top.

The three-time world champion finished both sessions half a second quicker than his nearest challenger, Sebastian Vettel.

"The consensus in the paddock was that Ferrari, led by four-time champion Vettel and starved of championship glory for more than a decade, held the advantage following a promising eight days of pre-season testing in Barcelona," says The Times. "But Hamilton's blistering pace round Albert Park would appear to point to the contrary.

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"Indeed Britain's triple world champion, who is bidding to reclaim the crown he lost to bitter rival Nico Rosberg last year, finished both sessions an eye-watering half a second clear of his rivals."

It was an "ominous" start to the season, says Giles Richards of The Guardian. "It was hoped the new regulations for 2017 would narrow the advantage Mercedes held but on this admittedly very early form, they are starting just where they left off last season."

But the fact that Vettel was quicker than Hamilton's new Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas is cause for optimism, says the Daily Telegraph.

"The Ferraris were fast in pre-season testing and indications are they'll challenge when the season proper gets underway," says the paper.

Andrew Benson of the BBC notes that while Mercedes appear to have the upper hand "the cars will not be seen in their ultimate quickest trim until qualifying on Saturday".

"Hamilton's margin over Bottas will raise questions over whether it is car or driver that has the advantage," he adds.

One thing that was clear is that the cars are faster this season. Hamilton's times were five seconds quicker than in 2016.

"The new regulations for 2017 allowed for wider tires with more grip and durability, greater aerodynamics, bigger fuel loads and increased downforce and were designed to increase speed. The first two sessions have confirmed that is the case among the top contenders," says the Telegraph.