Carlos Sainz Makes Remarkable Comeback to Win Australian Grand Prix
Carlos Sainz of Ferrari made a stunning return to the track after undergoing surgery just 16 days ago, winning the Australian Grand Prix and ending Max Verstappen’s bid for a record-equalling 10 consecutive victories.
Key Highlights of the Race:
- Verstappen’s brake failure on lap 4 led to the end of his winning streak dating back to the Japanese Grand Prix.
- Charles Leclerc finished second, securing a Ferrari one-two, while Lando Norris claimed his first podium of the year.
- Lewis Hamilton’s struggles continued as he retired on lap 17 with an engine failure, accumulating only eight points in the first three rounds.
- Both Mercedes cars failed to finish the race, with George Russell crashing out on the penultimate lap.
Verstappen’s Disappointment and Sainz’s Triumph:
Verstappen initially led the race but was overtaken by Sainz on lap 2 before experiencing mechanical issues that forced him to retire. Sainz capitalized on this opportunity and went on to claim his third career win.
Sainz’s victory under the virtual safety car, with Leclerc in second and Norris in third, marked a memorable one-two finish for Ferrari.
Post-Race Reactions:
Verstappen expressed frustration over the brake failure, highlighting the challenges he faced during the race. Hamilton, on the other hand, faced another setback in his final season with Mercedes.
Despite the setbacks for Verstappen and Hamilton, Sainz’s remarkable comeback and Ferrari’s strong performance made the Australian Grand Prix a memorable event for fans and teams alike.