The 2024 Formula 1 season experienced a much-needed shake-up on the track as Max Verstappen’s misfortune presented Ferrari with a golden opportunity. However, in the aftermath of a significant decision by the stewards, it raises the question of who were the winners and losers from the race?
Carlos Sainz has had an exceptional year so far. It began with his dismissal from Ferrari and the knowledge that he would have to spend another year with a team that doesn’t want him beyond 2025. Despite missing the second race due to appendicitis, Sainz made a remarkable comeback in Melbourne, outperforming his teammate Charles Leclerc and taking advantage of Verstappen’s misfortune.
Ferrari’s 1-2 finish was undoubtedly a resounding victory, and the team has every reason to be delighted. However, it’s important to note that Red Bull still secured pole position, even after Ferrari’s strong performance in practice. The four-point gap in the constructors’ championship is unlikely to remain small for long. Additionally, the driver who won the race, Sainz, will be leaving Ferrari at the end of the year.
Ferrari has established itself as the team best-positioned to challenge Red Bull at the start of this season. They capitalized on their opportunity in Melbourne, addressing issues with tire management and race execution. Despite McLaren posing a threat, Ferrari emerged victorious, leaving Mercedes far behind. This performance bodes well for the future of the team.
Haas F1, under the leadership of Ayao Komatsu, has made a strong start to the season with their first double points finish since mid-2022. While they didn’t win the “Class C fight,” they secured three valuable points and became the first of the bottom four teams to have both cars finish in the points. The team’s clever strategies and the cooperation between their drivers contributed to their success.
Yuki Tsunoda once again showcased his talent in the midfield, outperforming the Aston Martins and securing eighth place in qualifying. He maintained a strong pace throughout the race, preventing any rival teams from spoiling his chances. Tsunoda’s performance could have potentially earned him more points if not for the retirements of Verstappen, the Mercedes, and Fernando Alonso’s penalty. Nevertheless, his seventh-place finish was impressive.
Aston Martin and Fernando Alonso faced embarrassment due to outside interference that affected their performance in the Australian GP. The stewards’ verdict highlighted Alonso’s misjudgment during a maneuver, resulting in a penalty and the loss of four points. Fortunately for Aston Martin, the significant gap between the top five teams and the bottom five teams minimizes the impact of this incident on their overall season.
Red Bull faced unexpected challenges in Melbourne, with Verstappen suffering a dramatic failure and Sergio Perez failing to pick up the pieces. Despite solving their practice problems, Red Bull’s team principal, Christian Horner, expressed uncertainty about their ability to match Sainz’s pace and tire management. This race raised doubts about Perez’s performance, as he did not fulfill the team’s expectations.
Mercedes had another difficult weekend, leaving the Australian GP without adding to their points total. Lewis Hamilton’s engine failure and the team’s overall lack of pace were disappointing. Hamilton referred to it as the worst start to a season he has ever had. While one of their rivals, Ferrari, secured a convincing 1-2 finish, Mercedes struggled to close the gap and address their ongoing issues.
Williams and Alex Albon missed out on scoring points in Melbourne. Albon struggled to keep up with the Haas drivers, and despite his early pitstops, he couldn’t match their race pace. This race was a missed opportunity for Williams, as they failed to capitalize on the performance of their rivals. The absence of Logan Sargeant, who had his car taken away, further added to the disappointment.
Sauber faced repeated issues with cross-threading and poor pitstops, which continued to plague them in Melbourne. Despite attempts to find a solution, the problem persisted, resulting in wasted races. The team’s competitiveness suffered, even though Valtteri Bottas showed promise. This problem could potentially lead to Sauber finishing last in the championship.
Daniel Ricciardo’s performance raised questions about his future in Formula 1. His pace deficit to Tsunoda and his inability to lead his team convincingly suggest that he may not be considered for a Red Bull Racing seat in 2025. Ricciardo’s slump raises concerns about his consistency in the latter stages of his career.