Sign up
news article img

Formula 1

Carlos Sainz Stops Max Verstappen’s Winning Streak at the Australian Grand Prix

We’re three races into this year’s Formula 1 season, and the Australian Grand Prix gave us an unexpected winner. Carlos Sainz managed to outrace the competition in Melbourne after Max Verstappen was forced to retire, eventually lifting the Australian Grand Prix trophy. Despite starting the race in pole position, Verstappen was quickly overtaken by Sainz after struggling with a brake failure. He eventually decided to retire, leaving a clear path for Sainz, who led the majority of the race before coming out victorious. Sainz ended up breaking Verstappen’s winning streak of nine consecutive wins in Melbourne, scoring his third career Grand Prix victory. His Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc was right behind, while Mercedes’ Lando Norris finished third, setting a new record for the most podiums without a win at 14. Sainz described the beginning of the season as “a rollercoaster”, but added it felt really good to lift the trophy in Melbourne and share the spotlight with Leclerc. “It wasn’t the easiest [race] but I was lucky that I was more or less on my own and I could manage my pace, manage the tires, manage everything, and it wasn’t the toughest race of all. But very happy, very proud of the team, and happy to be in a one-two with Charles here,” Sainz told Sky Sports.