The 2024 Formula 1 season underwent much-needed excitement on the track as Max Verstappen’s misfortune presented a golden opportunity for Ferrari. However, following a significant decision by the stewards, the question arises of who were the winners and losers of the race?
Carlos Sainz has had an exceptional year so far. It began with his dismissal from Ferrari and the knowledge that he would have to spend another year with a team that does not want him beyond 2025. Despite missing the second race due to appendicitis, Sainz made a remarkable comeback in Melbourne, surpassing his teammate Charles Leclerc and capitalizing on Verstappen’s misfortune.
The 1-2 victory for Ferrari was undoubtedly a resounding triumph, and the team has every reason to be delighted. However, it is important to note that Red Bull still secured pole position, even after Ferrari’s strong performance in practice. The four-point difference in the constructors’ championship is unlikely to remain small for long. Additionally, the race winner, Sainz, will leave Ferrari at the end of the year.
Ferrari has established itself as the best-placed team to challenge Red Bull early in this season. They seized their opportunity in Melbourne, addressing tire management issues and race execution. Despite the threat from McLaren, Ferrari emerged victorious, leaving Mercedes far behind. This performance bodes well for the team’s future.
A Haas F1, under the leadership of Ayao Komatsu, had a strong start to the season with their first double scoring since mid-2022. Although they didn’t win the “Class C battle”, they secured three valuable points and became the first of the four lower teams to have both cars scoring. The team’s smart strategies and cooperation between their drivers contributed to the success.
Yuki Tsunoda once again showcased his talent in the midfield, surpassing the Aston Martins and securing eighth place in qualifying. He maintained a strong pace throughout the race, fending off rival teams from spoiling his chances. Tsunoda’s performance could have earned him more points if not for retirements from Verstappen, Mercedes, and a penalty for Fernando Alonso. However, his seventh place was impressive.
Aston Martin and Fernando Alonso faced embarrassment due to external interferences that affected their performance in the Australian GP. The stewards’ decision highlighted Alonso’s misjudgment during a maneuver, resulting in a penalty and the loss of four points. Fortunately for Aston Martin, the significant gap between the top five teams and the bottom five minimizes the impact of this incident on their overall season.
Red Bull encountered unexpected challenges in Melbourne, with Verstappen suffering a dramatic failure and Sergio Perez failing to capitalize on the wreckage. Despite resolving their issues in practice, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner expressed uncertainty about their ability to keep up with the pace and tire management of Sainz. This race raised questions about Perez’s performance as he did not meet the team’s expectations.
Mercedes had another difficult weekend, leaving the Australian GP without adding points to their total. Lewis Hamilton’s engine failure and the team’s lack of overall pace were disappointing. Hamilton referred to it as the worst start to a season he has ever had. While one of their rivals, Ferrari, secured a convincing 1-2 victory, Mercedes struggled to close the gap and address their ongoing issues.
Williams and Alex Albon missed the opportunity to score points in Melbourne. Albon struggled to keep up with the Haas drivers and, despite his early pit stops, could not match the race pace. This race was a missed opportunity for Williams as they failed to capitalize on their rivals’ performance. The absence of Logan Sargeant, who had his car removed, further added to the disappointment.
Sauber faced repeated problems with cross-threading and poor pit stops, which continued to hinder them in Melbourne. Despite attempts to find a solution, the issue persisted, resulting in wasted races. The team’s competitiveness suffered, even though Valtteri Bottas showed promise. This issue could lead Sauber to finish last in the championship.
Daniel Ricciardo’s performance has raised questions about his future in Formula 1. His lack of pace compared to Tsunoda and his inability to lead his team convincingly suggest that he may not be considered for a spot at Red Bull Racing in 2025. Ricciardo’s drop in performance raises concerns about his consistency in the later stages of his career.
© 2024
Portugal wins the Eurocup for the second time in history
The Portuguese national football team made history by winning the Eurocup for the second time. With a brilliant campaign, the players led by coach Fernando Santos showed an engaging style of football and deservedly clinched the title.
The Eurocup final was played against the French national team, who were considered favorites. However, the Portuguese team did not back down and played on equal terms. The game ended in a 1-1 draw in regular time, leading to extra time.
It was in extra time that Portugal showed their strength and determination. With a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo, who got injured early in the game, the Portuguese team secured a 2-1 victory and the Eurocup title.
The victory was celebrated by the players and the Portuguese fans, who took to the streets to celebrate the historic achievement. Portugal had previously won the Eurocup in 2016, and now solidifies its position as one of the great powers in European football.
Coach Fernando Santos praised the team’s performance and highlighted the importance of collective work. “It was a victory for everyone, players, coaching staff, and fans. We are very proud of what we have achieved,” Santos stated.
The Eurocup was also marked by outstanding individual performances. In addition to Cristiano Ronaldo, who was the competition’s top scorer, other players like Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, and Diogo Jota stood out and were crucial to the success of the Portuguese team.
Now, Portugal is preparing for the World Cup, which will take place next year. With high confidence and a talented squad, the Portuguese team has great chances of performing well in the tournament and competing for the title. The Portuguese fans are eager and confident in another great campaign from the team.
