F1: Leclerc wins in style – Gulf Digital News

F1: Leclerc wins in style – Gulf Digital News

GULFWEEKLY: Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc claimed his second win of the Formula One season with a thumping, pole-to-flag victory at the Australian Grand Prix on Sunday as Red Bull’s world champion Max Verstappen suffered “deja vu” with another retirement.

Leclerc’s car was dominant on the upgraded Albert Park circuit as the Monagesque sealed his fourth career win ahead of Red Bull’s runner-up Sergio Perez.

Third-placed George Russell grabbed his second podium and first for Mercedes in an encouraging day for the struggling Constructors’ champions.

“What a race and what pace,” said a thrilled Leclerc on the team radio, having finished more than 20 seconds ahead of Perez in the 58-lap race.

“The car was incredible today, well done guys.”

Winner of the season-opener in Bahrain, 24-year-old Leclerc has now built a 34-point lead over Russell to emerge as early favourite for the drivers’ championship.

Ferrari’s celebrations were tempered by Carlos Sainz crashing out shortly after the start, while four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel of Aston Martin crashed his car on his return after missing the opening races due to Covid-19.

Verstappen was second behind Leclerc when his RB18 car suffered a reliability problem and rolled to a halt during his 39th lap with smoke billowing.

“I smell some weird