Carlos Sainz Wins Australian Grand Prix

Ferrari Driver Takes First Non-Red Bull Win of the Season

Melbourne, Australia - March 22, 2024

Ferrari's Carlos Sainz has won the Australian Grand Prix, the third round of the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship. The Spanish driver took the lead on the first lap and held on for the victory despite a late challenge from Red Bull's Sergio Perez.

It is Sainz's first win of the season and the first for Ferrari since the 2021 season finale. The victory also moves Sainz up to second in the championship standings, behind only Red Bull's Max Verstappen.

Verstappen had started the race from pole position, but he retired on the opening lap after a collision with Williams' Nicholas Latifi. The incident brought out the safety car, which allowed Sainz to take the lead.

Perez moved up to second place on lap 12, and he slowly closed the gap to Sainz over the next few laps. But Sainz was able to hold on for the win, crossing the line 2.7 seconds ahead of Perez.

Lewis Hamilton finished third for Mercedes, while Fernando Alonso finished fourth for Aston Martin. Pierre Gasly rounded out the top five for Alpine.