Alexander KnightCarlos Sainz clinched a commanding victory at the Australian Grand Prix following Max Verstappen’s early exit. Leading Ferrari to a one-two finish, Sainz showcased skill and strategy, securing another win for the team.
Carlos Sainz decisively dominated the Australian Grand Prix F1 race after Max Verstappen’s withdrawal, having overtaken him for the lead in the second lap. The Ferrari driver is thrilled to notch another victory and to lead a one-two finish ahead of Charles Leclerc.
“It was a very good race; I felt comfortable, even though physically it was a bit challenging. I managed my pace, I managed the tires, and I am very happy for the team, very proud of the team, and kudos to Charles too, it shows that hard work pays off,” the Spaniard celebrated.
Sainz reflects on a start to the year that has been anything but calm: “The start of the year has been crazy, with the podium in Bahrain, the appendicitis surgery, the victory, it’s been a real roller coaster, but I am very happy.”
He naturally does not know if he could have contended with Max Verstappen without the Dutchman’s mechanical issue, but it is reasonable to assume the three-time world champion would not have had an easy time, seeing as Sergio Perez finished 35 seconds behind Sainz.
“I don’t know, I gave it my all on the first lap to get the DRS because it’s very powerful here. Then he lost the car at turn 3, that was my chance to close in and I took it. And once he was behind, he started having problems and that was it for him. But I’m happy to win.”
“From the 2nd lap, I knew I could do it”
Sainz quickly realized he had the chance to win, but feared a safety car could spoil everything. Fortunately, only George Russell’s accident occurred towards the end of the race: “From the second lap, leading with the pace I had, I understood that I could do it.”
“I had clean air, I was managing the tires, and I knew I could do it. But a red flag is always in the back of your mind, fortunately, not much happened. I feel sorry for George; it was a big crash, I hope he’s okay, but I managed to win, and we scored a one-two.”
Frédéric Vasseur, the Ferrari team principal, celebrates this result, unsure if Scuderia can repeat it soon: “I don’t know if we can do this every week! It’s a good feeling for the team and for Carlos.”
“The race was a bit strange, but I think it’s a good thing we were there from the start of the weekend. We lacked a bit of performance in qualifying, but the race pace was good, so it’s a good step forward.”
Sainz: “Hard Work Pays Off” in GP Victory. Sainz: “Hard Work Pays Off” in GP Victory
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