Lewis Hamilton: Ferrari's leap proves F1 not just an engine formula

Vettel's Sepang win was Ferrari's since the 2013 Spanish Grand Prix, ending a 30-race win drought that was the team's longest in 21 years.

Hamilton, who was in dominant form in Australia, was forced to settle for second, one place ahead of Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg after the reigning world champion team was outperformed by Ferrari.

The result followed rapid improvement from a Ferrari team that ended 2014 in fourth in the constructors' championship with just two podiums, but is now the second quickest team on pure pace.

Though its engine gains were hailed during winter testing, Hamilton reckons Sepang showed the entire Ferrari package has taken a leap forward.

"Ferrari have made a huge step," said Hamilton.

"It's great to see Ferrari making such a big step and it is with both the car and the engine.

"A lot of people talk about engines being fast but ultimately it's the car and the downforce which can make just as big a difference."

Hamilton admitted that he was surprised by the pace of Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen, who recovered from a puncture early on to finish fourth.

"We have to give it to them, they did a fantastic job," said Hamilton. "We were not, and I was not, expecting them to be as quick as they were.

"They did an amazing job and had some good pace.

"We knew that they had made a step, we didn't know how big but they were too fast for us."