Carlos Sainz (Ferrari, winner of the Australian GP): “It was a very good race for me, everything went well. It was a little hard at times physically but I was able to manage my effort, my pace, my tires. I am very proud, very happy to do this double for the team. Life is crazy sometimes, between what happened at the beginning of the year, my first points in Bahrain, the appendicitis operation in Jeddah and this victory here, it’s really a roller coaster for me at the moment. moment. I recommend all pilots to have their appendicitis removed!
At the start of the race, I saw that I could follow Max (Verstappen) on the first lap without DRS, then at turn 3 he made a mistake which allowed me to get closer and then pass him, before he starts to suffer with his brakes. Too bad, I think it would have been a good fight between the two of us. But I’ll take this victory, he’s won enough. »
Charles Leclerc (Ferrari, 2nd in the Australian GP): “It’s great for the team, it’s our first double since Bahrain 2022 so it’s great to be able to do it. Carlos (Sainz) had an incredible weekend, for my part I suffered with the tires on the second stint. But I did what I could. Carlos did a better job than me, he clearly deserves his victory. I’m very happy for him and for the team, because we took big points. We wanted to maximize our points opportunities this weekend and we couldn’t do better. »
“The car completely escaped me”
Max Verstappen, forced to retire
Lando Norris (McLaren, 3rd in the Australian GP): “It’s a very good day for us. I am very happy and proud for the team, because this result places us third in the Championship. We missed the opportunity to overtake Charles (Leclerc) because I think our pace was a little better than his. Our pace was probably good enough for second place but Ferrari and Carlos (Sainz) did a great job and were fast all weekend. I felt good, I managed to manage my tires well today (Sunday) and it was quite unexpected to finish on the podium, so I’m very happy. This circuit suits us a little better, but we still have a step to go to catch up with Ferrari and Red Bull, maybe even two. »
Max Verstappen (Red Bull, retirement): “My rear brake started to lock up as soon as the start was given. The temperatures kept rising and it caught fire. I felt it start to deteriorate as soon as I braked because I was sliding from behind. I felt that there was something strange and when I got closer to Carlos I had problems again and the car completely slipped away from me. »
