Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz surged to victory at the Australian Grand Prix Sunday. He was followed by teammate Charles Leclerc, who was 2.3 seconds behind him. This snaps Red Bull’s winning start to the season after three-time world champion Max Verstappen sensationally failed to finish.
The Spaniard, who had appendicitis surgery two weeks ago, took the chequered flag, with McLaren’s Lando Norris capturing a bold third.
It was Sainz’s third grand prix win and first since Singapore last year.
“I’m happy to be in a one-two with Charles here. It shows that hard work pays off,” said Sainz, who missed the last race in Saudi Arabia and was bedridden for a week afterward.
“Life sometimes is crazy … the podium in Bahrain, then the appendix, the comeback, the win. It’s a rollercoaster but I loved it and I’m extremely happy.”
While he celebrated, it was a disastrous day for pole-sitter Verstappen, who limped out with smoke billowing from his car after being passed by front-row partner Sainz on lap two.
The Dutchman blamed a brake issue for his first retirement in two years.
