A Ferrari double in the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix. Carlos Sainz's Ferrari wins ahead of teammate Charles Leclerc. Lando Norris's McLaren was third and preceded Oscar Piastri's other silver arrow.
Reigning three-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen was forced to retire after suffering a mechanical problem with his Red Bull. It is the Dutchman's first retirement since the 2022 Australian GP.
Sainz, “Life is crazy, I immediately understood that I would win”
«Today was a beautiful race. I felt very good, even if a little stiff, physically it wasn't very easy. But I was lucky because I was able to manage the pace more or less on my own, I managed the tires independently. The race was tough but obviously I'm very happy and proud of the whole team.” Here are Carlos Sainz's first words from the podium after winning the Australian Grand Prix with Ferrari. «I'm happy to have won in front of Charles – adds the Spaniard – it shows how much work we've done. Life is really crazy: first the podium in Bahrain, then the appendicitis, the return, this victory is truly a roller coaster, but I'm very happy. Max (Verstappen, ed.)? On the first lap I realized that I could keep up with him and use the DRS, which works very well here. Then he lost time in turns 2 and 3 and I passed him. Immediately afterwards he had brake problems. It's a shame, because it would have been a good challenge for first position. But honestly I'm happy to take home this victory. I would always have to have appendicitis surgery – laughs Sainz – I understood that I would win from the second lap. I realized that we were fast and could manage the tyres. Of course there is always the risk of a red flag or a safety car, but the race went away clean. I was sorry about George's accident, I hope he's well.”
Verstappen's regret: “Brake problem, it had to happen sooner or later”
«We knew it could happen and it happened. It's never easy to digest. It's a shame, on the formation lap the car seemed good.” Red Bull world champion Max Verstappen talks about his retirement after five laps from the start of the Australian GP in Melbourne due to a brake problem on his car. «I confirm, there were problems with the brakes – said the Flying Dutchman – There was some overheating, the car was very difficult to drive. On the formation lap the car looked good, it's a shame we didn't show it. The problem was a lock on the right rear brake. It's never good to retreat, it's hard to digest. We knew it could happen and it happened.” Max Verstappen closes an impressive series of records in Melbourne. The three-time world champion, who started from pole, was forced to retire after 5 laps due to an overheating problem with the brakes of his RB20. Thus ends the streak of 9 consecutive successes and above all of 43 GPs completed: the last withdrawal for Super Max was dated Australia 2022.