For the first time in what seems like an age we do not hear the Dutch national anthem after a Grand Prix. Max Verstappen’s Australian GP lasted 5 laps unleashing the Ferrari pair to a 1-2 victory and top spot for Carlos.
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The Start of the race looked like it was going to be business as usual for Redbull and Max Verstappen as the Redbull driver took led form pole, heading into the first corner and seemed to get a good lead pretty quickly, however all was not well, within a couple of laps Carlos Sainz took the lead from Max and we suddenly we had a race!
Max and Carlos were sticking together at the front, however by lap 3 Max was in the pits and out of the race, with a right rear break issue and into retirement, his first retirement since Australia 2022!
NOW THE RACE BEGINS
Once we have calmed down it was time to focus on the remaining 18 runners in the race. Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc were out front and looking solid. Carlos minus 1 appendix has looked a amazing all weekend was out front and looking in control. Charles Leclerc settled in second place and looking just as comfortable as his teammate.
Behind the Ferrari’s were the McLaren pair of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. For a while Oscar Piastri was sitting in an impressive third place, however it wasn’t long before McLaren swapped the drivers, much to the annoyance of the crowd. It doesn’t take away from what was a solid drive for both the McLaren cars.
Mercedes Woes Continue
The Mercedes cars have not enjoyed a great start to the 2024 season, with Lewis Hamilton struggling throughout the weekend. The race didn’t get much better for the seven time world champion, who was the only other retirement after the Mercedes Power Unit failed on lap 17.
On the other side of the Mercedes garage, George Russell was looking to take something from the race weekend, as the race came to a close the Brit was racing with Alonso’s Aston Martin, it was looking like a handful of points for Russell until the last lap when he lost the rear of the car heading into turn six, the car ended up on its side in the middle of the track ending his race and the Grand Prix as the race was completed under Virtual Safety Car.
Rest of the Field
Further down the order it looked as though Sergio Perez had the pace to try and rescue something for Redbull, however it never really developed into anything, the Mexican finishing fifth.
Aston Martin had a solid race, taking 6th and 7th for Alonso and Stroll respectively, however as the post race interviews were ongoing, the stewards were looking at the incident with George Russell at the end of the race, did Fernando slow unnecessarily?
The HAAS pair had a great race, taking 9th and 10th continuing a solid race for the team. The same can bot be said the Danny Ricciardo, who was beaten again by his teammate, this time Yuki would take 8th and some points and Danny Ric could only manage 12th place. This is beginning to look worrying for Ricciardo.
In Conclusion
The 2024 Australian GP belongs to the smooth operator, Carlos Sainz was on top form and deserved the top spot and 25 points. Both Ferrari and McLaren will b pleased with their weekend, however Mercedes are lacking and need to figure things out quickly!!!
Japan next…. more of the same please …