Ferrari celebrates in Melbourne after early Verstappen exit

Spanish Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz of Ferrari crosses the finish line to win the Australian Grand Prix 2024 at Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne. James Ross/AAP/dpa

Carlos Sainz secured his first victory of the Formula 1 season after the early exit of world champion Max Verstappen at the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday.

Charles Leclerc came second to secure the first one-two for the Scuderia since March 2022.

McLaren's Lando Norris finished third at Albert Park in Melbourne, while Nico Hülkenberg finished ninth in the Haas for the second time this year after a late accident involving Mercedes man George Russell.

The third race of the season was over quickly for big favourite Verstappen, who had to park his Red Bull due to a fire in the braking area of the right rear wheel. It was the 26-year-old Dutchman's first retirement in two years.

While Verstappen's streak of nine straight wins ended with the early exit, he still leads in the standings with 51 points.

His team-mate Sergio Pérez, who finished fifth in Melbourne, is second, ahead of Leclerc and Sainz, who now has three Grand Prix victories.

Lewis Hamilton, who will take over Sainz's Ferrari seat next season, also failed to finish. The 39-year-old was stopped in an already hopeless position by an engine failure on his Mercedes.

Spanish Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz of Ferrari in action during the Australian Grand Prix 2024 at Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne. James Ross/AAP/dpa
Spanish Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz of Ferrari in action in action during the Australian Grand Prix 2024 at Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne. Joel Carrett/AAP/dpa

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