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Carlos Sainz Wins Australian Grand Prix, Halting Red Bull’s Winning Streak
Carlos Sainz of Ferrari brought an end to Red Bull’s Formula 1 winning streak on Sunday at the Australian Grand Prix. Sainz seized the opportunity afforded by Max Verstappen’s early retirement to clinch victory, just a fortnight after missing the previous race in Saudi Arabia due to an emergency appendectomy.
Sainz maintained his position on the front row alongside Verstappen at the start, ultimately overtaking the Dutch driver on lap two at turn nine to claim the lead once Verstappen was sidelined two laps later by a mechanical mishap. Verstappen, who had secured victories in the opening two races of the F1 season in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia and was riding a nine-race winning streak, had his run interrupted by this setback.
Sainz crossed the finish line ahead of his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, marking Ferrari’s first 1-2 finish since the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix. Lando Norris of McLaren completed the podium by finishing third, securing his first top-three finish at Albert Park. Sainz’s teammate, Australian Oscar Piastri, claimed fourth place.
Detailed Reflection by the Winners
Reflecting on his exceptional victory against the odds, Sainz, who is set to be succeeded by Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari from 2025, expressed his elation. This triumph, the Spaniard’s third career win and his first since the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix, spelt a roller coaster journey for Sainz. He navigated through challenges, including his recent surgery, showcasing perseverance and skill on the track.
“I felt really good out there,” he stated. “Life is sometimes unpredictable, as seen by my podium in Bahrain, the unexpected appendix surgery, followed by this remarkable victory. It’s been quite a wild ride, but I relished every moment of it.”
Leclerc, who secured his second consecutive podium finish, emphasized Ferrari’s promising performance and competitive edge against Red Bull’s dominance. He underlined the necessity to continue working hard to remain a formidable contender in future races.
“We had pole position and a race win in our sights due to our strong tire management and excellent pace,” Leclerc commented. “However, Red Bull has enjoyed the upper hand in two of the first three races this season, signifying that we must strive for further improvement.”
Norris, fresh off his podium finish, affirmed his belief in McLaren’s capabilities and solid performance, especially in the absence of Red Bull in the equation.
“Our consistent pace throughout the weekend and impressive long-run performances gave us confidence,” noted Norris. “We capitalized on this, showcasing our competitiveness and determination.”
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