The Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne in 2024 has been won by Carlos Sainz of Spain.
At Albert Park, Oscar Piastri of Australia came in fourth, Lando Norris of Britain came in third, and Charles Leclerc of Monaco, who is a teammate of Ferrari, finished second.
On a thrilling Formula 1 afternoon, world champion Max Verstappen was forced to retire from the race early due to a mechanical issue, and George Russell and Lewis Hamilton also were unable to finish.
Only two weeks after missing the previous race in Saudi Arabia due to an emergency appendectomy, it was an incredible drive from Sainz. “I would recommend all the drivers to take it out this winter,” said Sainz.
“Perhaps they could move more quickly as well. I’m thrilled and proud of the team; it proves that perseverance pays off and that sometimes life can be wild.
“What happened at the beginning of the year and then Bahrain and then the appendix, the comeback, the win, it’s a rollercoaster but I loved it and I’m extremely happy.”
Starting alongside Verstappen in the lead, Sainz maintained his position through the first turn but overtook the Dutchman at turn nine on lap two.
He then took over when his competitor retired two circuits later due to a flaming mechanical failure.
Verstappen was on a nine-race winning streak after winning the first two Formula One races of the season in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
For the 29-year-old Sainz, it was his first F1 victory in Australia. For the 2025 season, Sainz does not have a guaranteed driving; Hamilton will take over for him at Ferrari.
Russell, a Mercedes driver, wrecked on turn seven, meaning that the race ended under the virtual safety car, which prevented racing for the majority of the last lap.
Sergio Perez of Red Bull completed the top five after receiving a three-place grid penalty for obstructing Nico Hulkenberg during qualifying. Sainz was ecstatic to win for the first time since the Singapore Grand Prix in 2017.
His words, “I felt really good out there,” Naturally a little stiff, especially in the body.
Although it wasn’t the easiest, I was fortunate to be able to handle everything—including my pace and the tyres—because I was essentially alone.”
