Carlos Sainz Triumphs at the Australian Grand Prix: A Ferrari Victory

“Today was a beautiful race. I felt very good, although a bit stiff, physically it wasn’t very simple. But I was lucky because I was able to manage the pace more or less on my own, I handled the tires independently. The race was tough but obviously, I am very happy and proud of the whole team.” These are the first words from the podium of Carlos Sainz after winning the Australian Grand Prix with Ferrari. The Spaniard, at the end of the race, could not hold back tears of emotion. Formula 1, sensational Ferrari one-two in Melbourne: Sainz dominates after overtaking Verstappen (who retired), second is Leclerc. “I am happy to have won in front of Charles - adds Sainz - it shows how much work we have done. Life is really crazy: first the podium in Bahrain, then appendicitis, the comeback, this victory… it’s really a roller coaster, but I am very happy. Max (Verstappen)? At the first lap, I realized I could stay behind him and use the DRS, which works very well here. Then he lost time in turn 2 and 3 and I passed him. Right after he had brake problems. It’s a pity, because it would have been a nice challenge for the first position. But honestly, I am happy to bring home this victory. I should always have appendicitis surgery - laughs Sainz - I understood I would win from the second lap. I noticed we were fast and could manage the tires. Obviously, there’s always the risk of a red flag or a safety car, but the race went on smoothly. I felt sorry for George’s accident, I hope he is well.” Ferrari, Leclerc: “Happy for the team” These are the words of Charles Leclerc, who finished second in Melbourne: “I am happy for the team, for the one-two. It hadn’t happened since Bahrain 2022, those are good memories and it’s nice to be able to relive them. Carlos (Sainz) had an exceptional weekend after the surgery. I had difficulties with the first set of hard tires, instead, the last stint went better.” “But we did 1-2, it couldn’t go better - adds the Monegasque driver - Thinking of attacking Carlos? No, I didn’t think about it. In the first stint, I had to watch my back, we stopped early and from that moment Carlos was always very fast. Then with my tires, I was more in trouble. As soon as we stopped for the first pit stop for me everything was clear. But Carlos did a better job over the weekend, in qualifying and in the race, and it’s right that he won. These are very important points for the team. We wanted to score as many points as possible and it couldn’t have gone better.”