Sainz completed forward of teammate Charles Leclerc after Purple Bull's Verstappen retired on lap 4 with an engine hearth.

Ferrari's Carlos Sainz ended Purple Bull's Components 1 successful streak by successful the Australian Grand Prix in a triumphant return to the circuit two weeks after appendicitis surgical procedure, which stored him out of the earlier race in Saudi Arabia.

The Spaniard took benefit of Verstappen's early retirement – his first in two years – attributable to a fiery mechanical failure.

Sainz, who began on the entrance row alongside Verstappen, stored his place on the primary lap, however handed the Dutchman in flip 2 to show 9 for the top and took management as soon as his rival retired twice later with fiery mechanical failure.

Sainz was the one non-Purple Bull driver to win a race final season.

Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz of Spain drives his car in the pit lane as his teammates celebrate after winning the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, March 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Scott Barbour)
Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz of Spain drives his automobile within the pit lane as his teammates have a good time after successful the Australian Grand Prix [Scott Barbour/AP]

In Melbourne, he held off teammate Charles Leclerc earlier than a last-lap crash by Mercedes driver George Russell activated a digital security automobile and eased the Spaniard's path to victory.

“It was a very good race. I really feel actually good right here,” stated an excited Sainz.

“After all somewhat stiff and particularly bodily it wasn't the simplest, however I used to be fortunate that I used to be roughly alone and I may handle my tempo, handle the tires, handle all the things, and it wasn't the toughest race. of all

“However very blissful, very pleased with the group, and blissful to be in one-two with Charles right here.”

Lando Norris was third for McLaren, ending fourth-placed team-mate Oscar Piastri's hopes of a primary podium by an Australian driver in F1 racing.

Verstappen, the winner in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, began on pole for the third time this season however retired on lap 4 with a brake downside as flames shot from the proper rear of his automobile. He was on a nine-game successful streak.

It was Verstappen's first non-finish (DNF) since he retired from Albert Park within the 2022 race and ended his streak of 9 consecutive victories.

Verstappen stated he was principally driving with the handbrake from the beginning.

“That's why you already felt that the automobile was actually unusual to drive in sure corners. It was simply very snappy,” stated the Dutchman.

Purple Bull have now suffered two defeats in 26 races courting again to the final spherical in 2022.

Mechanics work to put out a fire in Red Bull driver Max Verstappen's Dutch car during the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix at Albert Park in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, March 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Scott Barbour, pools)
Mechanics work to place out a hearth in Purple Bull driver Max Verstappen's automobile [Scott Barbour/AP]

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was additionally compelled to retire early with an influence unit downside after beginning eleventh on the grid following his worst qualifying in Melbourne since 2010.

Teammate Russell capped off a depressing day for the Silver Arrows, sliding into the gravel at flip six and crashing into the barrier to wreck his automobile and convey out the digital security automobile.

Sergio Perez completed fifth for Purple Bull, one forward of Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso, who began tenth on the grid and beat teammate Lance Stroll to seventh.

Alonso was later referred to as to the stewards for Russell's crash.



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