The former world champion who is starting his second season with McLaren, finished ahead of team-mate Lewis Hamilton who was on pole. Button passed Hamilton on the first corner and stayed there for the remainder of the race with a dominant display. Current world champion Sebastian Vettel finished second after a lucky incident involving the safety car. Even though Button led from the first corner, the 2012 season-opener was enthralling from the off and ended in a seven-car fight for the line.
On the final lap Pastor Maldonado crashed out whilst pursuing Ferrari's Alonso for fifth place. Kimi Raikkonen on his return to the sport after two years of rallying, finished behind Sauber's Kobayashi in seventh place. It was Sauber's other driver, Sergio Perez, who was involved in a frenzied battle for the final points positions. The Mexican managed to hold off Force India's Paul di Resta and both Toro Rossos to finish eighth. The four cars were separated by just 0.39 seconds at the end, as they swapped positions in the final few corners. Daniel Ricciardo took the plaudits at his home Grand Prix after he overtook Paul di Resta and team-mate Vergne to take ninth, with di Resta grabbing the final points postion.
Mercedes failed to score any points after a strong qualifying session the day before. Michael Schumacher was forced to retire after a gearbox problem whilst fellow German Nico Rosberg was also hampered by mechanical difficulties. Fernando Alonso's fifth place was impressive after starting 12th on the grid. The same cannot be said about Felipe Massa, who retired after tangling with fellow countryman Bruno Senna. Ferrari's struggles are due to the controversial design of their new car, the F2012, which was built to challenge Red Bull's dominance.
Jenson Button has laid down a mark with his emphatic victory in Australia. The McLaren driver cruised to victory with a controlled but ruthless race, subduing team-mate Lewis Hamilton's challenge within the first corner. Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull are still the ones to beat, but Button has made his intentions clear.