Carlos Sainz’s triumph at the Australian Grand Prix marked a significant upset in the Formula 1 season, breaking Red Bull’s winning streak and handing Ferrari their first 1-2 finish since 2022.
Sainz, who missed the previous race in Saudi Arabia due to an emergency appendectomy, made a remarkable return to the track. Starting alongside Max Verstappen on the front row, he held his position into turn one and swiftly overtook the Dutchman on lap two. Verstappen’s retirement two laps later due to a mechanical failure handed Sainz the lead, which he maintained throughout the race.
Sainz’s victory was a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite the physical challenges he faced after his surgery, he managed his pace and tires expertly, controlling the race from the front. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, finished second, giving Ferrari their first 1-2 result since the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix.
McLaren’s Lando Norris secured his first podium at Albert Park, finishing third. Australian Oscar Piastri impressed in fourth place, while Sergio Pérez rounded out the top five for Red Bull.
The race concluded under the virtual safety car after Mercedes’ George Russell crashed on turn seven, preventing any last-lap drama.
Sainz’s victory was a major boost for Ferrari, who have struggled to match Red Bull’s pace in recent races. It also marked a significant moment for the Spaniard, who will replace Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari from 2025.
“I felt really good out there,” Sainz said after the race. “It wasn’t the easiest, but I was lucky that I was more or less on my own so I could just manage my pace, manage the tires, manage everything.”
Sainz’s win has injected excitement into the Formula 1 season, proving that Red Bull’s dominance is not unassailable. Ferrari and other teams will be eager to challenge the reigning champions in the races to come.
