Remember the days when Australia used to be the season opener? That was in another era of Formula One. And, although the streets around Albert Park don't always give us the most exciting races, the past few years can easily challenge that statement and make it void. In 2024, things were not much different with another exciting, drama-filled race on the cards for us racing aficionados.
Red Bull's weekend was pretty hit and miss from the get go, with both cars struggling in practice, qualifying and the race. Although, some fans hopes and dreams were diminished when Max Verstappen, once again, stuck his lean, mean racing machine on pole. However, come race day, the racing Gods had other plans, causing Verstappen's and Red Bull's first mechanical retirement since Australia 2022. The crowd may have gone wild with excitement, but no driver wants to retire from a race through no fault of their own. Despite this, and with no disrespect to Verstappen and Red Bull, Formula One needed this to happen. To regain faith from fans, so to speak. But, did Verstappen's retirement actually add anything to this race other than giving the F1 world a winner that wasn't him? Maybe, maybe not. I won't moan though, this race was essentially like a "breath of fresh air."
What is sad though, is that after every race we find ourselves questioning the performance of Sergio Perez, and Australia was no different. With Verstappen out of the way, this should have been Perez's big opportunity. Of course, his grid penalty for impeding Nico Hulkenberg in qualifying made his quest for victory that little bit harder, but still, when you're in the fastest car it's easy for the sofa experts to be so critical. It was a difficult race for Perez, with floor damage and zero grip, as well as the grid penalty, making it a frustrating 58 laps for the Mexican driver. However, some people like to ignore the potential issues that have plagued him and generally expect more of him. It's no secret though that his 2023 slump seems to still be there in one way or another. With his contract up at the end of this season, it really looks like it's going to be "Drive to Survive" for him this year.
Plenty of other drivers also found themselves in a nightmare during this weekend's race. For us fans, it just added to the dramatics. Both Mercedes drivers of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell ended up with a big fat DNF. Hamilton for mechanical failures, Russell due to a big crash on the penultimate lap. Were Race Control correct to end the race under a Virtual Safety Car, or should they have thrown a red flag and abandoned the final lap? The online debate is intriguing, and, if you're interested, I'm team red flag. But, at the end of the day, there is no bigger relief than seeing a driver come away unscathed after a crash. Still, it's disappointing to see Mercedes struggle. From dominating the championships from 2014-2020, to now finding themselves fighting at the mid to back end of the points. As frustrating as their domination was at times, we need them back up there, fighting with the pack - something that we all crave.
Another interesting debate to have come to fruition from the race is the penalty that Fernando Alonso received several hours after the chequered flag. His crimes? Dangerous driving that caused George Russell's accident. It seems to be a complicated affair with many against the drive through penalty (twenty seconds) that demoted the Spaniard to an 8th place finish. In reality, with Alonso admitting a change in approach to turn six, the dirty air was ultimately to blame for the accident. But, the stewards have the data, the telemetry. Surely there is some sense behind, what seems to be, madness? Is there? And, if you think I'm done with the drama, then I'm not sorry to report that there is more. From a 5 second time penalty for Alpine's Pierre Gasly, to more slow stops for Sauber - an issue that has plagued them in all three races thus far in 2024.
Shall we talk team orders? We saw them in Bahrain, we saw them Saudi Arabia and now we've seen them in Australia. All very interesting considering how early we are into the season. Sometimes you just want to see teammates race but alas, Ferrari told their drivers to hold positions (I shouldn't moan, as a Sainz fan,) and McLaren ordered theirs to switch. A bit harsh for Oscar Piastri who, at his home race, was nearing a podium position. Despite this though, the race was all about one man only - Carlos Sainz, who went on to dominate the race, taking only his third win in Formula One. What made this even more incredible was that it was his first race back since appendicitis. With no seat for 2025, and hype surrounding Oliver Bearman - Sainz's replacement last time out; Carlos was definitely on a mission to make a statement. And, a statement he made indeed.
Another driver out to make a statement this past weekend was RB's Yuki Tsunoda. A young driver with a fiesty reputation, Tsunoda hasn't always got people's tongues wagging. Until, this season, where he seems to be "wiping the floor" with critically acclaimed teammate; Daniel Ricciardo. 2024 is turning into a big opportunity for Tsunoda to prove his worth, and exciting prospect for those who enjoy watching the younger guys flourish.
And finally, Haas need a mention for their double points finish. Haas haas finally gotten on top of the car that struggles to get into the points on a usual sunshiny day? Or have both Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen decided now is the time to make an impact, with young Bearman waiting in the wings?
This Australian Grand Prix has made me feel like I've fallen in love with this sport all over again. And, I kind of wish Verstappen hadn't retired! Would we have had a big Sainz v Verstappen show down? Would Ferrari have beaten Red Bull as per Perez's claims? We will never know. Not this year, at least.
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