Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz put an end to Red Bull’s winning streak in Formula 1 by winning the Australian Grand Prix. Sainz seized the opportunity when Max Verstappen retired early due to a mechanical issue. Verstappen had won the first two races of the season but faced a fiery failure in this race.
Sainz, who started alongside Verstappen, maintained his position initially and then overtook him on lap two to claim the lead. This victory came just two weeks after Sainz missed the previous race in Saudi Arabia due to an emergency appendectomy.
Sainz’s teammate Charles Leclerc finished second, marking Ferrari’s first 1-2 result since the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix.
Lando Norris of McLaren secured third place, earning his first podium at Albert Park. Australian driver Oscar Piastri, also from McLaren, finished fourth.
The race ended under the virtual safety car due to a crash by Mercedes’ George Russell. Sergio Pérez of Red Bull rounded off the top five, overcoming a grid penalty for impeding another driver in qualifying.
Sainz expressed his joy at winning his third career race, considering the challenges he faced earlier in the year. He described the experience as a roller coaster ride but cherished the victory.
