Kuala Lumpur: Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton won the Malaysian Grand Prix with a pole-to-flag victory ahead of Nico Rosberg, while Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel finished third here on Sunday.

Hamilton won the race by 17.3 seconds, his 23rd career victory and first in Malaysia at the eighth attempt.

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

Hamilton said he was really, really happy with just a great performance by the team.

Meanwhile Vettel said, "We have certainly made a good step forwards, but we still have a lot of work to do. It’s great to get a podium finish today. Considering where we were, not even two months ago, I think this weekend is a massive step in the right direction. It's a shame we didn't finish with both cars, but it’s good to see the car is quick and we need the laps; for now it's important to collect points. The guys are pushing back in the factory and at Renault – it’s been a massive job from them – and we’ll try to be up there very soon again. It was a shame to lose a place at the start, but third was our maximum position today, so I'm very happy with that. It’s a shame for Daniel with what happened, he drove really well.”