Pastor Maldonado has driven into Marcus Ericsson at Turn One. Very out of character for the Lotus man that.

It doesn't look like there is damage - but the stewards are going to have a look.

Check that. It WAS hammer time. Hamilton's team saw an opportunity as Nico Rosberg pitted. But Hamilton hits traffic and decides he'll come in too.

Image source, AP

Mercedes engineer: "OK Lewis, hammer time."

David Coulthard
BBC F1 co-commentator

"That pass was the mark of a champion. Nobody does that, he did not give the position up. He is prepared to take the risk. Can you imagine when we see him in  a car racing at the front?"

This is why they call him Mad Max.

Max Verstappen has Sergio Perez in his sights coming into Turn One. The Dutchman gets a great line and inches ahead by the time they swing back into Turn Two. He takes P9. 

How old is he again? 12?

(He's 18)

Toro Rosso's Carlos Sainz, who retired on the first lap: "I think I went to do the first practice start and the engine suddenly turned itself off. I started from the pitlane and when I left the pits the engine suddenly lost power. It is like the go-karting days when you brake and it locks up completely. Hopefully I won't get a penalty for Abu Dhabi. In a rookie season it is difficult to take as you want to do well and finish races." 

We're not being spoiled with drama as it stands. Daniel Ricciardo has pitted again as he continues his one-man mission to climb through the field.

He's 17th - so it's not going great.

Mercedes team radio: "OK Lewis, the only other option is to either protect P2 or go for the win - stretch this stint long and put us on a tyre offset at the end."

This, my friends, is known as Plan C.

Ben Edwards
BBC F1 commentator

"Interesting to hear from Mercedes who say converting to plan B is a bad idea because of the Ferraris and Hamilton is saying get me on a different strategy."

What of the Ferrari? They're quietly going about their work. But they could be influencing Lewis Hamilton's strategy.

His engineers tell him that 'Plan B' might not be a wise move because of the presence of Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel.

What is Plan B? No idea.

Image source, AP

David Coulthard
BBC F1 co-commentator

"A tidy little battle between the McLarens but they are tucked in behind Nasr and unable to do anything about it."

David Coulthard
BBC F1 co-commentator

"We have consistently seen Lewis Hamilton take a shallower line down to most corners. It is taking a lot out of his tyres and, at the moment, Nico Rosberg is just too good."

McLaren misery continues. Jenson Button is taken on the outside by Felipe Nasr, much to the pleasure of the home fans.

James Allen
BBC Radio 5 live F1 commentator

Lewis Hamilton is told by his team that his tyres are holding up well. That gives him the incentive to pile the pressure on Nico Rosberg.

"It's impossible to follow on this track," he tells his team.

Here's a shot of the pair coming close in Turn One right at the start.

Image source, Rex Features

Allan McNish
BBC Radio 5 live analyst

Pastor Maldonado has slotted his car into reverse. Daniil Kvyat and Felipe Massa both slide past the Lotus, which is losing pace.