The Australian Grand Prix provided a much-needed lift for Formula One after three-time world champion Max Verstappen won the opening two rounds at a canter.
In a race of uncharacteristic unreliability and high tire degradation, Carlos Sainz had the opportunity to take his first win of the campaign.
But who were the standout drivers from Formula One’s trip down under?
Carlos Sainz
The Spaniard performed admirably all weekend in Melbourne, qualifying in second place behind race leader Verstappen and hounding the Dutchman in the opening laps.
Sainz, returning to F1 after suffering from appendicitis, breezed past the reigning world champion three laps into the race. The latter retired due to a rear right brake issue.
The Ferrari driver, left unchallenged in the lead, continued to build a healthy advantage over teammate Charles Leclerc.
With the win, Sainz showed why he is so highly rated in the paddock as he searches for a drive for 2025. Ferrari is letting Sainz go at the end of the season to make room for the incoming Lewis Hamilton.
Sainz now sits fourth in the standings, just 11 points behind championship leader Verstappen, although the deficit is expected to extend as Red Bull remains the class of the field.
Lando Norris
The British driver scored his and McLaren’s first podium of the season in an assured drive as the Woking-based outfit took a step forward at Albert Park.
Norris was significantly quicker than his teammate (home favorite Oscar Piastri) over the race distance and pulled away once the Australian was asked to let the Briton pass.
The McLaren driver confessed post-race that second place may have been possible, but the weekend still represents a confidence boost for the outfit.
“Being honest, we maybe missed out a little bit on an opportunity to be P2 today,” Norris said. “For us to say that, it’s a good sign, and I think it’s a positive for the whole team, a good boost.”
A well-earned trophy will give the team something to smile about ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix in two weeks.
Yuki Tsunoda
Yuki Tsunoda outclassed his much more experienced teammate, Daniel Ricciardo, who failed to get out of the first part of qualifying at his home race.
Tsunoda finished seventh, scoring a valuable six points, capitalizing on Fernando Alonso’s post-race 20-second time penalty.
The RB driver decisively picked his way through the field to finish seventh, passing Frenchman Pierre Gasly at Turn 11 in a late braking overtake.
Tsunoda delivered his and the team’s first points of 2024 and could be hitting a purple patch ahead of his home race next time out in Japan.
