The swagger was still there when Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel faced the media following their early Australian F1 Grand Prix exits.

But the jury is out on their 2014 prospects after both retired before completing five laps of the Formula One season-opener.

Donning sunglasses and two diamond earrings, Hamilton looked every inch the former world champion when he sauntered out to face the cameras at Albert Park.

And while Vettel appeared less comfortable talking to reporters so far away from the podium, he still exuded the air of a reigning four-time world champion.

However, it remains to be seen whether the pair will again strike fear into the hearts of rivals in a new era for Formula One racing judging by their round one anti-climax.

Alarm bells were ringing from the outset for Hamilton when the pole sitter was overtaken on the first straight by both Australian Daniel Ricciardo and Mercedes teammate – and eventual winner – Nico Rosberg, reporting a lack of engine power.

The race and championship favourite was given orders to retire and save the engine but initially failed to pit before quitting after four laps.

One lap later, Vettel – who started from 12th place but slipped back to 16th with a lack of speed – joined him in early retirement.

Vettel had revealed pre-race he would have been happy just to finish at Albert Park after dramas at testing and qualifying with the new V6 turbo hybrid engines and reconfigured aerodynamics.

But he still appeared slightly agitated after an unfamiliar experience.

“People were passing me – I didn’t understand,” Vettel said.

“It is difficult to say when exactly but in the second formation lap I realised I had no power.

“I tried to recover but it didn’t happen.

“There is a bit to work on in terms of reliability.

“I have wasted a lot of points in this race but it’s a long season.”

Vettel added: “We can fix the situation but the question is how soon.

“But once the package comes together we know we will be quick.”

Hamilton sounded the least surprised by his early retirement.

“This is a new era, this is what happens,” he said.

“You can’t expect us all to finish the race without any problems.”