Carlos Sainz (right) sets the tone at Ferrari. Image: AFP
Because he has to give way to Lewis Hamilton in 2025, the beaming winner of the Australian Grand Prix sees every Formula 1 race as an application drive. He no longer has to take the Scuderia into consideration.
The result of the Australian Grand Prix probably does not herald a change of power in Formula 1. But after Carlos Sainz’s triumph in the third World Cup round, at least a different rhythm has emerged. Where the whole world and the 132,000 spectators on site could once again expect the Dutch Wilhelm song as the winning anthem for Max Verstappen, the royal march of Spain was heard in Albert Park. But Sainz has long since made another song his own, and he belted it out as well as a racing driver calibrated to six-cylinder tones can: “Smooth operator”.
In fact, it was a success achieved gently, especially after Verstappen’s Red Bull racing car first left the lead on the third lap and then left the race entirely with an exploded rear brake disc. “From then on I was more or less on my own,” reported the winner, who didn’t have to fear any harm from his pursuer. Ferrari had instructed Monegasque Charles Leclerc not to take any risks in order not to unnecessarily jeopardize Ferrari’s first double success in Melbourne in 20 years.