Many things happened during the Australian Grand Prix: Sargent gets cut from the Grand Prix, Russell crashes during the last lap of the race, and Verstappen’s car crashes on fire. 

Yes, Verstappan’s car did catch on fire. 

It wasn’t anything crazy, just his brake’s catching on fire, but it did make him have to retire his car early on in the race. Verstappan said that when he started the Grand Prix, he was driving with the handbrake on and as he kept driving with the handbrake on, that is when it caught on fire. 

With Max retiring early, it left 1st place up for grabs. 

Carlos Saniz overtook Verstappan on lap 2 when Verstappan’s car started to have issues. Everyone was so shocked during this moment because they could not believe another car was overtaking the reigning World Champion. Then, Verstappan retires and that’s when everyone realizes this will not be a normal race. 

Saniz had a couple seconds lead before 2nd place and people were comparing his driving to Verstappan. He held onto the lead for most of race until he had to pit but he quickly took 2nd place back. 

Mercedes did not look good during this Grand Prix. Lewis Hamiltion had to retire his car somewhere around lap 17th because of engine failure. Then on the last lap, George Russell crashed which meant Mercedes scored no points. Russell hits the curb which led to his car flipping onto its side, leaving Russell in the middle of the track until they could get a safety car to him. 

Another disappointing turn of events happened to Willams. After they replaced Sargent, Alex Albon ended up finishing 11th and did not score any points for the team which was the whole purpose of switching Sargent and Albon. 

Mclaren and Ferrari both had amazing end results for this Grand Prix. 

Lando Norris got 3rd place which is his first podium for the 2024 season. Then, Oscar Piastri got 4th place leaving Mclaren to get a good amount of points for their time. 

Ferrari got both of their drivers onto the podium. Saniz got 1st place and Leclerc got 2nd place. It still seems crazy that they are getting rid of Saniz for next season when he has been delivering the best results so far. 

It will be interesting to see how the rest of the season goes and if Verstappan retiring from the race is a one time thing or more.