It is something different for a change: no hosanna stories in the Dutch media about Max Verstappen after the Red Bull Racing driver suffered his first retirement in two years. As in the international media, Carlos Sainz was also praised in the Netherlands for his handsome victory in Australia.

General newspaper

It could have been his tenth win in a row, but Verstappen's race ended after only about five laps. "Gone third of the season, gone tenth win in a row. Not a hat-trick for Verstappen, but a rare failure. The first so, in two years. Nice for the championship, terrible for the three-time world champion, who remained resigned under it," saw the AD.

There were compliments for Carlos Sainz, who took full advantage of the malaise in Verstappen's car. "Replaced in Jeddah by Ollie Bearman, he returned in Albert Park with his third F1 victory after Singapore (2023) and Silverstone (2022). Bit of a shame he had to drive past the chequered flag under a virtual safety car, after a late crash by George Russell," the newspaper stated. "After this scintillating Sunday, after three races, it is exciting again in the title race."

Telegraph

The Telegraph noted that Ferrari had by no means stolen victory in Melbourne: "Even before Max Verstappen's retirement, it was clear that Ferrari's drivers would have a good chance in Australia, but after a problem with the Dutchman's Red Bull, nothing stood in the way of victory. Carlos Sainz won the Australian Grand Prix convincingly, this after missing the previous race in Saudi Arabia due to appendicitis."

Nu.nl

The website Nu.nl also saw an outstanding Sainz as well as a strong Ferrari. In the past, the Italians sometimes managed to undo a good starting position through strange decisions at the pit wall, but that was not the case in Melbourne. "After Verstappen's retirement, Ferrari was not completely out of the woods. Pérez could not make a fist in the second Red Bull, but Norris in particular proved a challenger for the first two places on the podium. Strategically, Ferrari played the cards well, but Norris simply had the pace on the hard tyres to threaten Leclerc," wa read on the site.