PALMER: Why the season opener in Melbourne convinced me Ferrari will win soon

It might have been a Mercedes 1-2 in Melbourne, as George Russell underlined his championship credentials with a straightforward drive, but I thought the Grand Prix was a real cause for optimism for Ferrari’s chances this season too.

Lewis Hamilton was very upbeat after the race – despite the fact he saw another potential maiden Ferrari podium slip through his fingers – because there were plenty more positives than negatives for the Scuderia after the season opener.