Australian Grand Prix 2024 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Carlos Sainz delivered one of the most remarkable performances of the season, winning the Australian Grand Prix just two weeks after undergoing surgery for appendicitis. The Spanish driver capitalizing on Max Verstappen's dramatic retirement to claim Ferrari's first one-two finish since the 2022 season opener, with Charles Leclerc completing the podium sweep in second place.

The race was defined by Verstappen's rare mechanical failure. Starting from pole position, the championship leader experienced brake issues from the moment the lights went out, with his right rear brake sticking on as if "driving with the handbrake on." Smoke poured from his RB20 as he struggled around the opening laps before flames erupted from his right rear brake assembly, forcing him to retire for the first time in two years. The dramatic retirement ended Red Bull's run of nine consecutive victories.

Sainz controlled the race after Verstappen's exit, building a commanding lead over Lando Norris before Leclerc executed a perfectly-timed undercut to claim second place for Ferrari. George Russell's heavy crash while running strongly for Mercedes brought out a Safety Car, but Sainz maintained his composure to take victory. The result signaled that Red Bull's early-season dominance was not as secure as it had appeared, with Ferrari proving they could capitalize when opportunity arose.