International media | 'Dark atmosphere at Red Bull after disaster for Verstappen'

After the dominant win at the Australian Grand Prix for Charles Leclerc, the Italian newspapers are feasting on their own for Ferrari. In many countries, the Monegasque is the topic of conversation, but of course Max Verstappen's second retirement in 2022 is also a major point of interest.

In Italy's pink sports newspaper, Ferrari and Leclerc are ecstatic after their victory in Australia. After two duels between Verstappen and Leclerc, they had expected another duel to come, but at Gazzetta they saw that Ferrari and Leclerc had the weekend in their pockets. Verstappen's only real attack came after the second safety car, but it was defended nicely by the Ferrari driver.

'Leclerc is unbeatable', the Spanish Marca headlines on Monday morning after the Australian Grand Prix. At Marca they are impressed how Leclerc distanced himself from Red Bull Racing and Verstappen, but also from Carlos Sainz. The Spaniard's mistake is considered unnecessary and especially a shame. With F1-75, Sainz would normally have always ended up on the podium.

"Imperious, untouchable, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc took victory at the Australian Grand Prix with an almost carefree serenity. Ferrari have delivered the car and Leclerc demonstrated definitively in Melbourne the sure touch of a champion-in-waiting," the British medium waxed lyrical on Monday. It was in stark contrast to the dark atmosphere at Red Bull Racing after Verstappen's second retirement, the British website reported.

The German Bild was also taken aback by Verstappen's second retirement in three races. There is already talk of a tricky situation to defend his title, especially with Leclerc picking up all the wins. It is, according to the German medium, sour for Verstappen though, as he can do little about it himself.

The French sports newspaper L'Equipe did not see last Sunday's result in Melbourne coming. With Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez breathing down his neck, Leclerc was under a lot of pressure. Red Bull could have played the team game, but in the end simply came up short to really attack. Indeed, it was Red Bull that broke first with the Dutchman's retirement.

''Leclerc and Ferrari are perfect, a disaster for Verstappen,'' the Italian newspaper opens. ''The prince wins the duel with Max, while the latter drops out for the second time this season.'' Furthermore, the Italian medium speaks of a masterpiece by Leclerc and a major setback for Verstappen.