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Who made the best of the Australian Grand Prix’s surprise twists and who contributed to the messiness? Here’s Edd Straw’s judgement on the Formula 1 field’s Melbourne performances
The Australian Grand Prix of 2024 proved to be the most eventful so far, with a Ferrari 1-2 finish, a Mercedes on its side, and a penalty for a double champion. Edd Straw evaluated the drivers’ performances, ranking them from best to worst based on various criteria like pace, racecraft, and consistency. The performance rankings will vary from weekend to weekend, depending on how each driver maximizes their car’s potential. Carlos Sainz shined in Melbourne, showcasing class and impressive skill after a recent appendectomy, though he left some time on the table in qualifying. Yuki Tsunoda excelled in outperforming his teammate in qualifying and in the race, achieving a solid 7th place finish. Lando Norris also had a strong showing, overcoming balance issues to secure a podium finish, showcasing a remarkable recovery after practice struggles. Unfortunately, Max Verstappen’s weekend ended in a DNF due to challenges with the Red Bull’s front tires and the soft compound.
