The dominance of Max Verstappen in Formula 1 has come to a temporary halt as Carlos Sainz Jr won Sunday's Australian Grand Prix.
There were signs during Q1 and Q2 on Saturday that Sainz's Ferrari could rival the Red Bull of Verstappen, albeit before the defending champion sparkled in Q3.
However, Verstappen saw his nine-race winning streak come to an end in Melbourne, a consequence of an early retirement through an issue with his rear brakes.
A mistake at the start of the second lap was followed by Sainz passing moments later, and it was not long before smoke began to appear from the back of Verstappen's car.
The Dutchman would retire in the pit lane, with his brakes on fire, gifting the rest of the contenders a rare opportunity to top the podium.
LAP 5/58
— Formula 1 (@F1) March 24, 2024
Verstappen makes it back to the pits. His pit crew can't do anything. He's not coming out again. He's OUT ❌#F1 #AusGP pic.twitter.com/GqQW5W2CHh
That honour would go to Sainz Jr, who controlled the remainder of the race just 16 days after undergoing surgery to remove his appendix.
Last season, the Spaniard was the only non-Red Bull winner, and while anyone emerging as a candidate for the title is realistically unlikely, just 11 points now separate the top four in the standings.
Charles Leclerc is second having finished as runner-up to his teammate on Sunday, while McLaren's Lando Norris was an impressive third on his best showing of the campaign.
Oscar Piastri, in his home race, was a distant fourth, with Sergio Perez, Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll, Yuki Tsunoda, Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen completing the top 10.
Meanwhile, it was another disheartening day for Lewis Hamilton, who had to retire his car after just 15 laps, while Mercedes teammate George Russell crashed on the final lap of the Grand Prix when attempting to overtake Alonso for sixth place.
Darren Plant
