Flavio Briatore praises Ferrari: “Everyone did an excellent job, a victory that F1 needed”. Flavio Briatore praises Ferrari after Melbourne win.

Max Verstappen wouldn’t have won in Australia even without retiring.

Strong emotions after the perfectly successful operation on March 19th for the removal of a benign heart tumor: Flavio Briatore joyfully welcomed the result of the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, which saw a Ferrari one-two finish with Carlos Sainz ahead of Charles Leclerc.

The double one-two (which had been missing in Maranello since the Bahrain Grand Prix of 2022) was facilitated by Max Verstappen’s retirement due to a problem with the right rear brake, but according to Flavio Briatore, even without the technical problem for the Dutchman, it would have been difficult this time to achieve his tenth consecutive victory across 2023 and 2024, a streak that would have matched the one that ended in Singapore last year.

“Ferrari was fantastic, I think it was incredible how Carlos Sainz, from his hospital bed, recovered in a few days, it was formidable – Flavio Briatore’s comments reported by the press agency Lapresse – a victory for the team, for two drivers in form, a victory that Formula 1 needed. I believe that even if Max Verstappen had been in the race this time, he would not have won, everyone did an excellent job.”

Flavio Briatore considers misplaced the criticisms regarding the decision to sideline Carlos Sainz to make room for Lewis Hamilton: “Regrets about the decision to let Carlos Sainz go at the end of the year? We’re only talking about one race, let them be. And let’s rejoice. Ferrari for the Constructors’ title? I think so, it’s the only team close to Red Bull. Let’s see how the next races evolve.” – the Italian manager concluded.