F1 Power Rankings: Verstappen tumbles to P2, Sainz new leader
F1 News
Max Verstappen currently leads the battle for the world title; this did not change even after his retirement in the Australian Grand Prix. However, the reigning world champion lost first place in another list. In the Formula 1 Power Rankings, the Dutchman dropped to second place. Carlos Sainz is the new list leader after his victory in Melbourne.
The journalists at the official F1 website were unanimous in their decision: Carlos Sainz had an outstanding performance two weeks after the Spaniard underwent an appendectomy. All the judges rewarded Sainz with a 10. "Sainz marked his return to action with a gutsy display around the streets of Albert Park, impressively pushing Max Verstappen’s Red Bull for pole position, overhauling it at the start of the race and never looking back," it is stated.
Also praise for Norris and Tsunoda
Behind Sainz, high praise also went to Lando Norris. The McLaren Briton received an 8.8 for his race, earning him second place in this week's Power Rankings. Yuki Tsunoda was a surprising number three in the election: "On team mate Daniel Ricciardo’s home Grand Prix weekend, Yuki Tsunoda stepped up to lead the RB charge, qualifying eighth fastest and going one better on race day to give the Italian team a valuable first points finish of the year."
Max Verstappen managed to get another eighth-place ranking. The Dutchman - who retired early in the race with brake problems - received a 7.2 for his weekend. So that was not enough to maintain the lead in the Power Rankings competition. Verstappen is 0.5 behind Sainz, who earned his score over two Grands Prix. In Jeddah, Sainz was absent.
