F1 Australian Grand Prix 2023: Max Verstappen Wins Chaotic Red Flag-Filled Race in Melbourne
Max Verstappen has won his maiden F1 Australian Grand Prix following a chaotic race at Melbourne’s Albert Park.
As reported on Sporting News, the reigning champion was the heavy favourite coming into the race, but the Dutchman was overtaken by Mercedes duo George Russell and Lewis Hamilton on the opening lap.
Charles Leclerc’s gravel beaching caused an early safety car, before Alex Albon’s crash seven laps later resulted in the race being red-flagged.
Once the racing resumed, Verstappen asserted his dominance and built a commanding lead.
However, a late second red flag was shown after Kevin Magnussen lost his rear tire, leaving two dramatic laps to be completed.
Chaos and collisions ensued when the race restarted, headlined by a heavy crash between Alpine teammates Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon.
This led to a third red flag being shown, with the race ultimately concluding behind a safety car.
Max Verstappen Finally Claims Maiden Australian Grand Prix Victory
It was only a matter of time before Verstappen picked up his first win at the Australian Grand Prix.
He finished third in 2019, witnessed the race be cancelled twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and suffered a car breakdown last year.
This time though, he got his win – and it was richly deserved.
Verstappen dropped back two places on the first lap but kept a cool head, eventually overtaking Hamilton for the lead after the first red flag.
From that point on he put his head down in typical fashion, establishing a commanding lead that couldn’t be eclipsed, even after two late dramatic red flags.
Carlos Sainz Hit With Late Penalty, Misses Out on Points
After battling for a podium position for the majority of the race, Sainz’s experience at Albert Park came to a frustrating end.
The Ferrari driver clipped Alonso during the second red flag restart, resulting in the race stewards handing him a five-second time penalty.
The decision was controversial because the FIA re-established the race order according to how it was set prior to the restart, meaning Alonso had not lost his place, and the lap was effectively discounted.
“No! It’s unacceptable. They need to wait until the race is finished and then discuss it with me,” Sainz said on the team radio.
As a result of the penalty, he dropped to P12, with the drivers crossing the finish line in a tight pack.
The Spaniard declined to comment on the issue when interviewed post-race by Sky Sports F1.
Oscar Piastri Picks Up Points on Home Debut
It may not have panned out the way he expected, but Piastri will surely not be complaining about securing points in his first F1 race in Australia.
The Melbourne-born product started in P16 but drove maturely to finish P8 and score his maiden championship points.
His McLaren teammate Lando Norris also performed well, finishing in sixth place.
