Malaysian Grand Prix 2007 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Fernando Alonso claimed his first victory for McLaren at the Malaysian Grand Prix, leading home rookie teammate Lewis Hamilton in a dominant one-two finish that announced McLaren as the team to beat in 2007. The two-time World Champion controlled the race from fourth on the grid, demonstrating his championship pedigree while Hamilton's second-place finish in just his second Grand Prix confirmed that his Australian podium was no fluke and signaled the beginning of their increasingly fraught partnership.

Starting from pole position, Felipe Massa led the early stages for Ferrari before Alonso's superior race strategy and tire management allowed him to take control. The Spaniard drove with characteristic precision through the humid Sepang conditions, managing his Bridgestone tires perfectly in the tropical heat. Hamilton followed team orders and settled into second place, displaying remarkable maturity for a driver in only his second F1 race. The McLaren MP4-22 showed excellent race pace, and the team's strategic execution was flawless, maximizing their points haul.

Räikkönen salvaged third place for Ferrari after a difficult weekend, while Massa's early pace faded as tire degradation took its toll, dropping him out of the podium positions. Hamilton also set the fastest lap, further emphasizing his extraordinary talent. The result moved Alonso to the top of the championship standings, while Hamilton sat second - an astonishing position for a rookie after just two races. McLaren's one-two finish sent shockwaves through the paddock and established the template for the season: Ferrari versus McLaren, with the added intrigue of whether Hamilton could genuinely challenge his illustrious teammate. The seeds of discord were already being planted, though few could have predicted how toxic the relationship would become.