(CNN) -- Lewis Hamilton grabbed his second straight pole position to begin the 2014 Formula One season. But he hopes the Malaysian Grand Prix goes better than the opener in Melbourne. Hamilton was forced to retire early into the Australian Grand Prix this month and could only watch as Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg emerged victorious. "For myself and for the team the priority is to try to bag as many points, collectively, me and Nico," Hamilton told reporters Saturday. "I think we have a great opportunity. "We've got a great car and the team's just performing fantastically right now, so fingers crossed we both see our way through to the finish line."
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Lewis Hamilton finishes first in qualifying for the Malaysian Grand Prix
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Hamilton claims his 33rd pole position to equal the British record
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Reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel places second behind Hamilton
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Wet conditions at the Sepang Circuit made it tricky for drivers Saturday
Even though he was only fractionally behind Hamilton in qualifying, Vettel suggested @placeholder was the team to beat Sunday.