Carlos Sainz of Ferrari interrupted Red Bull's Formula One winning run with a victory at the Australian Grand Prix. Sainz returned to the circuit two weeks after missing the previous race in Saudi Arabia due to appendicitis surgery and finished triumphant.
The Spaniard capitalized on Verstappen's two-year hiatus from racing caused by a fiery mechanical issue. In Melbourne, he maintained a lead over teammate Charles Leclerc until George Russell, driving for Mercedes, crashed on the last lap. This caused a virtual safety car to be activated, ultimately helping the Spaniard win.
Finally, McLaren's Lando Norris took third place, ending Oscar Piastri's dream of being the first Australian driver to finish on the podium in an F1 race. Piastri had finished fourth.