Carlos Sainz Jr., Williams (Retired, lap 1): 3/10
Williams had a surprisingly strong vehicular package in Melbourne, which became clear when both of their drivers got into the final part of Qualifying. Sainz managed P10 to Albon’s P6, and didn’t have the opportunity to show his teammate who’s boss after spinning out of contention at the final corner on lap one. The Spaniard initially blamed a faulty upshift, but it was most likely an unfortunate mistake in treacherous conditions.
Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin (Retired, lap 33): 5/10
Alonso was doing a mighty fine job keeping up with the Alpine of Gasly in a decidedly inferior car, as always extracting the absolute maximum and then some from the machinery beneath him. But he subsequently binned his Aston Martin out of Turn 7 on the 33rd tour, triggering the second Safety Car of the race. He must have been pushing super hard to keep up.
