Nico Rosberg races past the home crowds during the Australian Grand Prix. Having revamped his image for the 2011 season, to be more focused, more serious, ready to step up, Rosberg was hoping for a good result in the first race of the season. Unfortunately, the Mercedes team suffered a double DNF disappointment in Melbourne, compounded by the fact they had shown good pace in the sessions leading up to the race.

Rosberg lined up seventh on the grid, and was running relatively strongly, until he was taken out by Rubens Barrichello. The Williams car came from behind, in an ambitious over-taking move gone wrong. The pair collided, spinning Rosberg off and out of the race.

After his retirement, Rosberg said: "I saw Rubens in my mirror and he was quite far away so I was surprised that he hit me. I immediately thought that was it and I had to pull over to stop the car. It's very sad for the team as they have worked so hard this weekend and throughout the winter."