Carlos Sainz won the Australian Grand Prix, ending Max Verstappen’s strong run in the F1 season as Verstappen had to stop racing due to car trouble.
Sainz had surgery for appendicitis two weeks before the race but still managed to compete. He started second on the grid and passed Verstappen to take the lead early in the race.
Verstappen had issues with his car and had to retire for the first time in two years due to brake failure. He said he was disappointed but understood that mechanical problems happen in racing.
With Verstappen out, Sainz kept the lead and won the race, with his teammate Charles Leclerc coming second.
Lando Norris finished third, and Oscar Piastri fourth. Sergio Pérez came fifth despite driving a strong Red Bull car.
Both Mercedes cars had to retire from the race. Lewis Hamilton’s engine failed, and George Russell crashed on the last lap while chasing sixth place.
