During the Formula 1 race, Carlos Sainz started from the second position and managed to overtake Max Verstappen, who had started from pole position, on the second lap. Verstappen had difficulties from the start of the race, feeling like his car was dragging, akin to having the handbrake engaged. Eventually, Verstappen’s race came to an end due to a fiery rear-right brake failure, paving the way for Leclerc to secure second place, resulting in a Ferrari 1-2 finish.
Leclerc expressed that the team’s belief in their potential to win started as early as the first practice session (FP1). He highlighted the promising signs they observed in terms of tire degradation and overall pace during practice, indicating that pole position and a race victory were within reach.
Despite facing criticism in previous seasons for their pit stop execution and strategic decisions, Leclerc noted that Ferrari performed admirably in these aspects at the beginning of the 2024 season. He acknowledged that while there is still room for improvement, the team maximized their performance in the first three races, demonstrating their ability to capitalize on opportunities to secure strong results.
Carlos Sainz echoed Leclerc’s sentiments, emphasizing the feeling of confidence in the car’s race-winning potential right from the outset of the race. He noted that despite Red Bull’s competitive pace and securing pole position, Ferrari believed that their lap times during qualifying were achievable, instilling further confidence in their ability to contend for victory.
Both drivers emphasized the significance of their performance in the Australian Grand Prix for team morale and validating the SF-24 challenger’s early-season capabilities. They highlighted the importance of maintaining consistency in maximizing race results and seizing opportunities to capitalize on their competitive edge over rival teams.
Also read: Ferrari’s Minor F1 Design Adjustment Contributed to Overcoming Red Bull
