Ferrari triumphed over Red Bull with Carlos Sainz clinching victory at the Australian Grand Prix after a technical failure led to Max Verstappen’s retirement on lap 2. Verstappen missed his chance to win a record tenth consecutive Formula 1 race. Adding to Ferrari’s success, Charles Leclerc secured second place, with Lando Norris of McLaren taking third.
Carlos Sainz made a remarkable comeback, securing victory at the Australian Grand Prix just two weeks after surgery for appendicitis, while reigning champion Max Verstappen retired early in the race.
Initially, Sainz couldn’t pass pole-sitter Verstappen, but a mishap for Verstappen on Lap 2 opened the doors for Sainz to take the lead. Verstappen’s race came to an abrupt end when smoke emerged from his Red Bull, forcing his first retirement in two years.
From then on, Sainz cruised to victory, with teammate Charles Leclerc securing a one-two finish for Ferrari. Lando Norris claimed third on the podium. Local hero Oscar Piastri finished fourth, ahead of Sergio Perez in the only remaining Red Bull in fifth. Mercedes faced more adversity as George Russell crashed out on the final lap, compounding their challenges after Lewis Hamilton retired earlier due to mechanical issues.
In just the third race of the season, it’s clear that the only hope to halt Verstappen’s dominance is through a driver error or technical issue, as he maintains a substantial lead. Taking control from turn 1, the Red Bull led the race, closely pursued by Sainz, who began in second. Additionally, it was uncommonly smooth as no one stumbled at the start.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye.
