By Dylan Bettencourt
Sports Editor
Even though it was marred by several red flags, the Melbourne Grand Prix in Australia was one of the nation’s most exciting series.
The Australian Grand Prix has for several years proved to be a dull affair and was even at risk of being cut from the calendar.
However, track layout changes with the help of former Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo made a huge difference and allowed for more overtaking throughout the race.
And this year was further proof of that. There was plenty of overtaking happening with four drag reduction zones (DRS) pulling the drivers along.
The race took a turn when Alex Albon was lying sixth in the Williams. He was having a hugely impressive run until he clipped the curb on entry and went sliding into the wall.
Too much gravel on the track brought out the red flag.
It was a decision which several drivers questioned and drivers like Carlos Sainz in the Ferrari, George Russel in the Mercedes and Esteban Ocon in the Alpine were unhappy with the call as they had stopped to fit the hard tyres a few laps earlier.
A standing restart resulted and the racing continued until a power unit failure for Russel drew yet another red flag.
The British driver was running in third spot and looked set for a podium finish.
Another standing start took place and the racing continued with Max Verstappen of Red Bull some way in front.
It wasn’t until later in the race that the Haas of Kevin Magnussen hit the wall at turn two, losing his left rear tyre, causing yet another red flag.
With two laps to go, another standing start took place and this is where it all went haywire.
Sainz tapped the rear of Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin with the Alpine of Pierre Gasly locking up into turn one.
Gasly came back onto the track and blocked off his teammate Ocon, forcing them both into the wall to end their race and — you guessed it — another red flag.
Gasly raced a brilliant Grand Prix, running in fifth ahead of Sainz and catching Alonso but Alpine’s day was done.
To make matters worse, a sector had not been completed so the order at the restart was brought back without the Alpines as both cars were unrecoverable.
Sainz received a penalty for a lap that did not exist giving Verstappen a first win in Australia with Lewis Hamilton in second and Alonso in third.
The 7 am start may have been tough for South African fans but the racing was enough to keep them awake throughout, with or without the triple shot espresso.
Pictured above: The turn one of nightmares
Image source: F1
