“Following the Australian Formula One Grand Prix at Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne on March 24, 2024, Ferrari’s Spanish driver Carlos Sainz Jr jubilantly celebrates atop the podium, holding the trophy aloft.”
“In Melbourne, Australia, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz halted Red Bull’s Formula 1 winning streak on Sunday by capitalizing on Max Verstappen’s premature exit to secure victory in the Australian Grand Prix. This triumph comes just a fortnight after Sainz missed the previous race in Saudi Arabia due to an emergency appendectomy.”
Sainz, who began from the front row alongside Verstappen, maintained his position into turn one but made a decisive move on lap two at turn nine, surpassing the Dutchman to claim the lead. He asserted control further as Verstappen’s race concluded prematurely two laps later due to a fiery mechanical malfunction.
Verstappen had secured victories in the initial two F1 races of the season in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, boasting an impressive nine-race winning streak.
Sainz secured the top position ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc, marking Ferrari’s first 1-2 finish since the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix. Meanwhile, McLaren’s Lando Norris clinched third place, securing his maiden podium at Albert Park.
Australian driver Oscar Piastri, Sainz’s teammate, secured fourth place.
Sainz, who is set to be succeeded by Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari starting from 2025, expressed his elation at clinching his third career win against the odds, his first since last year’s Singapore Grand Prix.
“I felt really good out there,” he remarked. “Of course, I felt a bit stiff, especially physically. It wasn’t the easiest, but I was fortunate to have some clear space, allowing me to manage my pace, tires, and everything else.
“Life can be quite unpredictable, you know. What transpired at the beginning of the year, followed by the podium in Bahrain, then the appendix surgery, the comeback, and finally the victory—it’s been a roller coaster. But I’ve relished every moment.”
Leclerc, securing his spot on the podium for the second consecutive race, expressed optimism about Ferrari’s pace and its capacity to challenge Red Bull during its dominant phase.
GET MORE CONTENT ON SPORTPRESSBOX.COM
