P1racenews AI automatic summary:
A first retirement in two years for Max Verstappen helped Carlos Sainz secure his third victory for Ferrari.
Carlos Sainz secured his third F1 victory in the Australian Grand Prix, ending Max Verstappen’s 43-lap finishing streak as Verstappen’s race ended in flames due to a right-rear brake issue. After recovering from an appendix operation, Sainz returned to the Ferrari cockpit not fully fit, but managed to conquer the extreme G-forces to take the chequered flag. Starting second on the grid, Sainz overtook Verstappen on lap two, maintaining the lead and securing a Ferrari one-two finish with Charles Leclerc. McLaren’s Lando Norris and Aussie driver Oscar Piastri finished third and fourth, while Mercedes’ George Russell crashed on the final lap trying to overtake Fernando Alonso. Verstappen’s race went downhill as smoke started emanating from his car’s right-rear wheel, resulting in his retirement and handing the victory to Sainz in a thrilling race in Melbourne.
