Carlos Sainz of Ferrari snapped Red Bull’s winning streak in Formula 1 for a second time in six months when he clinched a victory at the 2024 Australian Grand Prix. This remarkable win came just two weeks after Sainz underwent surgery for appendicitis, which side lined him for the Saudi Arabia GP. His triumph marked a significant moment, as it was the first time Red Bull didn’t claim the top podium spot since the previous season when Sainz denied Verstappen a win in Singapore.
The Australian race saw Sainz take an early advantage. Starting alongside Max Verstappen, Sainz maintained his position into the first turn and overtook Verstappen on the second lap at turn nine. His lead solidified after Verstappen was forced to retire from the race due to a fiery mechanical issue, which marked the Dutchman’s first retirement in two years.
In a display of resilience and strategy, Sainz held off a strong challenge from his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc. The competition was intense until a crash involving Mercedes’ George Russell on the final lap triggered a virtual safety car, which ultimately helped Sainz secure his lead and cruise to victory.
The win at Melbourne was notably significant as it represented Ferrari’s first Formula 1 one-two since the Bahrain GP in March 2022, where the team had last shown such competitive form that could signal a potential resurgence.
Meanwhile, Max Verstappen rebounded strongly at the following Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, leading a Red Bull one-two finish, with teammate Sergio Perez taking second place. Verstappen’s flawless performance from pole to finish was a stark contrast to his earlier setback, highlighting his championship mettle.
Ferrari’s Monza’s form and their chances to steal it away from the dominating Red Bull
Ferrari heads into the Italian Grand Prix at Monza in September with a mix of nostalgia and renewed optimism, aiming to reclaim their former glory at a circuit that has been historically favourable to them. The Italian team has amassed a total of 20 race wins at Monza, a record that speaks volumes of their dominance, especially during the Michael Schumacher era when Ferrari secured five victories between 2000 and 2006.
But Ferrari’s performance at Monza has declined in recent years. Since their peak, they have managed only two wins, in 2010 and most recently in 2019. This dip in form contrasts starkly with their earlier successes and highlights their challenges in maintaining their competitive edge.
Red Bull, led by Max Verstappen, poses the biggest challenge to Ferrari’s aspirations at Monza. Verstappen has established his winning streak with back-to-back victories at the Autódromo Nazionale di Monza in the past two years, signalling Red Bull’s dominance at this high-speed circuit.
Despite these challenges, the 2024 season has started promisingly for Ferrari, which has secured five podium finishes in the first four races, showcasing its potential to challenge for top honours. Their performance in Australia, where they managed to break Red Bull’s winning streak, suggests that Ferrari could be favourites at Monza if circumstances do not favour Verstappen.
As the teams prepare for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola next week, all eyes will be on Ferrari to see if they can leverage their historical success and recent form to overcome Red Bull’s recent dominance. A win at Imola would be a significant morale booster for the team and a reaffirmation of Ferrari’s enduring legacy in the heart of Italian motorsport.
Could Ferrari pull a one-two win at Monza?
As the Formula 1 circus heads to Monza in September, speculation swirls around Ferrari’s potential to secure a one-two finish, a feat they’ve achieved twice in the last three seasons. Despite these past successes, the prevailing sentiment in the paddock is scepticism. The formidable pace of the Red Bulls, particularly under the stewardship of Max Verstappen, makes them the favourites to clinch the win at the Autódromo Nazionale di Monza.
However, Ferrari, riding a wave of cautious optimism, still harbours hopes of an upset. Their chances, while slim, hinge on perfect race execution and perhaps a slice of fortune—similar to hitting the jackpot at Lucky Dreams online casino. The team’s strategy and car performance in the initial races suggests they could challenge the Red Bulls if conditions and luck tilt in their favour. While it’s a long shot, the passionate Tifosi will be eager to see their heroes pull off a surprising one-two victory at their home Grand Prix.
