Carlos Sainz Jr, from Spain, representing Scuderia Ferrari, and Lando Norris, from Great Britain, representing McLaren F1 Team, competed in the Formula 1 World Championship at the Australian Grand Prix, in Albert Park, Melbourne, Australia, on March 24, 2024. During the race, Norris achieved his first victory after a streak of 109 races without winning, benefiting from a Safety Car period. Sainz acknowledges Norris’ good luck, but also recognizes that drivers who are not in the best performing cars depend on luck. Sainz and Norris are the only drivers to have surpassed Red Bull since the previous season, and Sainz believes that Formula 1 often overlooks strong performances that do not result in a win. Sainz praises Norris for consistently driving like a race winner and believes that his victory was well deserved, regardless of the element of luck involved. Sainz regrets pitting one lap before the Safety Car intervention, as it cost him the opportunity to potentially take the lead. Despite finishing the race in fourth place, Sainz was penalized for contact with Oscar Piastri, resulting in a five-second time penalty and a drop to fifth place. Sainz expresses frustration with missed opportunities and aggressive driving conditions during the race.
