F1: Hamilton wins, but Nicole's not about

As the top three drivers waited in the holding room before the victory ceremony yesterday, Sebastian Vettel and Nico Rosberg chatted away in their native German.

Lewis Hamilton, who had just won the Malaysian Grand Prix minutes earlier, calmly sat in a corner, alone, his feelings only betrayed by a huge smile.

Later, at the Mercedes garage, there was champagne all around.

But, while crew members sang and cheered, Hamilton (left) stood calm, only smiling, as if something was missing.

The 29-year-old Briton had stormed home at Sepang to earn his 23rd Grand Prix win, his first triumph in Malaysia, and his first Formula 1 victory since Hungary last June.

Mercedes teammate Rosberg came in second, ahead of Red Bull's world champion Vettel, handing the German marque their first one-two finish since the Italian Grand Prix of 1955.

On a weekend where he was a clear favourite, Hamilton delivered in dominating fashion - but something was not quite right with the 2008 world champion.

ABSENT GIRLFRIEND

"A shame Nicole (Scherzinger) couldn't be here," said a reporter, referring to Hamilton's pop star girlfriend.

"Yeah, it is," was his reply.

And there it was.

The moment wasn't complete without his love interest by his side.

"I can't remember the last time I won and Nicole wasn't around. But I texted her (earlier). Reception's not very good here, so I hope she got the message."

As Hamilton prepared for the post-race press conference, he stopped for a moment to receive the congratulations of Mercedes' non-executive chairman and former three time world champion, Niki Lauda.

"Fantastic, fantastic, you've done the job," said the Austrian legend, holding the back of Hamilton's head.

Hamilton, who won by 17 seconds, later dedicated his victory to the victims of Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 and their families. "I came into the weekend thinking that dedicating a win to the people of Malaysia would be a really cool thing to do," he said.

"You can never predict that you're going to win, so the first thing I thought of when I crossed the line was the families.

"I've been watching it every day on the news and cannot even imagine what it's like for them. I know this won't do anything for them, but still, hopefully it's a positive."

Hamilton paid tribute to his car, describing it as the best of his career, and boldly predicted Mercedes were on course for a "very successful year ahead".

"I am so proud of this team, what a great job they've done collectively. I am sure there are always things we can improve," he said.

"I've personally learnt so much from today to take into the next race."

Rosberg, who won the season opener in Australia two weeks ago, started in third place but overtook Vettel into the first corner and was able to keep the Red Bull at bay and stay top of the driver standings.

Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo had to retire after part of his wing fell off, and he was one of seven drivers who failed to complete the race.

Fernando Alonso, whose Ferrari looked a much better car than in Australia, was fourth while Nico Hulkenberg once again punched above his weight to finish fifth in his Force India.

1. LEWIS HAMILTON (GBR/Mercedes)
2. Nico Rosberg (GER/Mercedes)
3. Sebastian Vettel (GER/Red Bull Racing)
4. Fernando Alonso (ESP/Scuderia Ferrari)
5. Nico Hulkenberg (GER/Force India)
6. Jenson Button (GBR/McLaren Mercedes)

DRIVERS

1. NICO ROSBERG (GER) 43pts
2. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 25pts
3. Fernando Alonso (ESP) 24pts
4. Jenson Button (GBR) 23pts
5. Kevin Magnussen (DEN) 20pts
6. Nico Hulkenberg (GER) 18pts

CONSTRUCTORS

1. MERCEDES 68pts
2. McLaren Mercedes 43pts
3. Scuderia Ferrari 30pts
4. Williams 20pts
5. Force India 19pts
6. Red Bull Racing 15pts

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