Carlos Sainz emerged victorious at a dramatic Australian Grand Prix, capitalizing on a rare Max Verstappen retirement to claim his first win of the season.
Verstappen’s Dominance Halted by Mechanical Failure
Just two weeks after appendix surgery, Sainz started strong, taking the lead on lap two. Verstappen’s race crumbled soon after, with the Red Bull driver reporting smoke, fire, and brake issues before being forced to retire. This marked his first DNF (Did Not Finish) since the 2022 Australian GP.
Ferrari Capitalizes on Red Bull Mishap
Sainz cruised to victory with teammate Charles Leclerc following close behind for a Ferrari 1-2 finish. The Dutchman’s misfortune opened the door for other contenders, with Lando Norris (McLaren) securing third and Oscar Piastri (McLaren) finishing fourth.
Mercedes Endures Disastrous Race
Adding to the drama, both Mercedes cars failed to finish the race. Lewis Hamilton suffered engine failure, while George Russell crashed on the final lap, bringing out a virtual safety car to end the race.
Sainz’s Emotional Victory
“Very happy, very proud of the team,” Sainz said after the race, highlighting the team’s hard work and his personal journey back from surgery. This win marks a significant moment for Sainz and throws the 2024 F1 season wide open.
