The Australian Grand Prix offered a much-needed carry for System One after three-time world champion Max Verstappen gained the opening two rounds at a canter.
In a race of uncharacteristic unreliability and excessive tire degradation, Carlos Sainz had the chance to take his first win of the marketing campaign.
However who have been the standout drivers from System One’s journey down underneath?
Carlos Sainz
The Spaniard carried out admirably all weekend in Melbourne, qualifying in second place behind race chief Verstappen and hounding the Dutchman within the opening laps.
Sainz, returning to F1 after affected by appendicitis, breezed previous the reigning world champion three laps into the race. The latter retired on account of a rear proper brake concern.
The Ferrari driver, left unchallenged within the lead, continued to construct a wholesome benefit over teammate Charles Leclerc.
With the win, Sainz confirmed why he’s so extremely rated within the paddock as he searches for a drive for 2025. Ferrari is letting Sainz go on the finish of the season to make room for the incoming Lewis Hamilton.
Sainz now sits fourth within the standings, simply 11 factors behind championship chief Verstappen, though the deficit is predicted to increase as Crimson Bull stays the category of the sector.
Lando Norris
The British driver scored his and McLaren’s first podium of the season in an assured drive because the Woking-based outfit took a step ahead at Albert Park.
Norris was considerably faster than his teammate (house favourite Oscar Piastri) over the race distance and pulled away as soon as the Australian was requested to let the Briton go.
The McLaren driver confessed post-race that second place could have been doable, however the weekend nonetheless represents a confidence enhance for the outfit.
“Being trustworthy, we perhaps missed out a little bit bit on a possibility to be P2 at this time,” Norris mentioned. “For us to say that, it is a good signal, and I believe it is a constructive for the entire group, a good boost.”
A well-earned trophy will give the group one thing to smile about forward of the Japanese Grand Prix in two weeks.
Yuki Tsunoda
Yuki Tsunoda outclassed his rather more skilled teammate, Daniel Ricciardo, who didn’t get out of the primary a part of qualifying at his house race.
Tsunoda completed seventh, scoring a precious six factors, capitalizing on Fernando Alonso’s post-race 20-second time penalty.
The RB driver decisively picked his approach by way of the sector to complete seventh, passing Frenchman Pierre Gasly at Flip 11 in a late braking overtake.
Tsunoda delivered his and the group’s first factors of 2024 and could possibly be hitting a purple patch forward of his house race subsequent day trip in Japan.
