Ferrari reversed the situation in Melbourne after Red Bull Racing dominated the early races of 2024 in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, with Carlos Sainz leading Charles Leclerc to a memorable one-two victory for the Reds.
Despite Max Verstappen’s early retirement on the second lap affecting the race result, Ferrari seemed to be in great shape that weekend, managing their tires more effectively than Red Bull. Additionally, Sainz, who was still recovering from surgery, had an exceptional performance on race day.
Andretti received praise for his performance in Australia and, in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, expressed his admiration for Ferrari’s success. He stated: “I watched the race and it was fantastic. Congratulations to Ferrari! It was a hard-fought victory, even with Verstappen’s early retirement. I always get emotional seeing a Ferrari win, especially when it’s a one-two victory like in Australia.”
Delving further, Andretti emphasized that Ferrari’s result at Albert Park was not solely due to Verstappen’s retirement due to brake failure. He stated: “No, these results are genuine and substantial. It wasn’t a coincidence; Ferrari showed their pace during practice sessions and qualifying. They did everything right from Friday, and it was great to see Carlos performing at 100% after his surgery in Saudi Arabia. Both he and Leclerc are formidable competitors.”
When asked if Ferrari can replicate such strong performances, the octogenarian replied: “Absolutely yes, Ferrari came close.” He added: “This was a well-executed endeavor from the start. It will be fascinating to witness the rest of the season, but I noticed promising signs. This time, the Cavallino did everything right, addressing the weaknesses they had in the past, such as tire management and strategic decisions.”
Regarding the failure that ended Verstappen’s race, Andretti commented: “It was a coincidence. It is also difficult to consider that it could have been due to a mechanic’s distraction. However, what happened within the team is still a setback for everyone; it is a negative occurrence.”
In tabloid format, Carlos Sainz showed his dominance during the Australian GP weekend, despite still recovering from the appendicitis surgery he had in Jeddah two weeks before. While his teammate, Leclerc, seemed to have a promising chance at pole position, his performance in qualifying suffered due to a different setup approach that ended up going wrong.
According to Andretti, it is crucial to constantly seek improvements and adjust the car setup to match the driving style. Changing the setup to extract more performance is not a mistake, although it comes with risks and does not always bring positive results.
Comparatively, Carlos had a good start in Melbourne and felt more comfortable with the SF-24 compared to Charles. Andretti expressed some sadness at seeing Carlos being sacrificed to make way for Lewis Hamilton. However, Carlos has proven to be a talented driver and deserves a place in a top team to compete for wins in the future.
Andretti has a rich history in Formula 1, having raced for Ferrari in ten Grand Prix races between 1971 and 1972. He then moved to Parnelli in 1973 and later joined Lotus, where he stayed until 1980 and won the F1 title in 1978. In 1981, he briefly drove for Alfa Romeo and in 1982, he participated in three races with Williams, Ferrari, and Lotus. Despite facing engine problems, he managed to secure pole position in Monza and finished third in the race. His only victory with Ferrari came in South Africa in 1971.
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Soccer star Lionel Messi made an incredible play during yesterday’s match. The Argentine player, who currently plays for Barcelona, once again showed why he is considered one of the best players in the world. During the game, Messi dribbled past several opponents, leaving them speechless. His skill and technique impressed everyone present at the stadium.
The match was thrilling from start to finish. Messi’s team faced a strong opponent, but the Argentine ace was not intimidated. With his speed and intelligence, he managed to score two goals, helping his team win the game 3-1. Messi’s fans were ecstatic with his performance and showered him with praise.
This is not the first time Messi has caught attention with his skills. Throughout his career, he has won numerous titles and individual awards. His refined technique and ability to score goals in difficult situations have made him a football legend. It’s no wonder he is constantly compared to other great players, such as Pelé and Maradona.
With this victory, Messi’s team is getting closer and closer to winning the championship. The Argentine player is determined to lead his team to the top and will continue to give his best in every match. Football fans are eager to see what Messi still has to offer and hope he continues to shine on the field.
This was another demonstration of talent by Lionel Messi. The Argentine player is a true inspiration for young athletes who dream of becoming professional footballers. His dedication, skill, and passion for the sport make him an example to be followed. The football world eagerly awaits Messi’s next steps and the emotions he will still provide to fans of the sport.
