Going to Australia, the outcome was pretty much secure. The battle was always going to be for the number 2 spot. With Checo having car troubles that pushed him in starting from the pits. Aston Martin and Mercedes where all gunning for that second podium place, Ferrari may have also had a shot if not for poor track placement and inability to light up their tires efficiently.
The Fiasco Down-Under
Once again, we had another crazy race with crazy calls from FIA. Most notable would be the last lap madness that had the fans go What the Actual…?”
The French boys crashing out each other on the last lap may have left Alpine with sour taste in theory mouth, but no one was hit as hard as Carlos. Getting a penalty for a lap that technically does not even exist on records has got to sting.
Mercedes On Fire
The Silver Arrows seem like a phoenix that rose from its ashes as they returned to a more competitive form. Lewis seemed a bit more himself as he fended of Alonso for most of the race. However, the Red Bull of Max was never in even in eithers sights.
George, who started off well, had his podium dreams burn away, much like his engine. Another Merc, that was very able.
Italian Tears
The woes just continue for the Scuderia outfit, with Leclerc not making it past the first lap due to a racing incident and Sainz losing his hard-earned position due to a penalty. The penalty was extremely painful for Sainz as due to it being the last lap, had him drop so far down the order he lost all his points. Having fought so hard to make his way up the field after an unluckily timed pit stop.
His teammate was just as unlucky, clipped of track in lap 1 left him with his second DNF in 3 races. This puts him in the bottom half of the top ten for the drivers. Huge contrast to last year where he dominated. The Italian team needs to come out of this slump fast or they will have to accept 4th in the constructors.
The Rest of Best
The Papaya boys manages to get themselves into points, albeit through the tragedy of others. But points are points and it is good to see Piastri getting some. After a nightmare start this could only spark some hope in the camps.
On the opposite, is Mighty Max, who is simply dominating wit that rocket of a car. His only true opponent was forced to start at the back. Even though Russel has a dream start and secured the lead by the first corner, it was never going to last against the raw speed of that raging bull.
Is there anything that can stop the Red Bulls? I sure hope so. No doubt they have earned their front spot, but we just want some close racing and tight battles.
Upgrades will be coming to Baku… Lets see who finds an ace in theory sleeve.
