The world of Formula 1 is filled with intriguing statistical anomalies, and one of them is particularly noteworthy as we approach the 2025 season opener in Australia. For the first time, Spanish automotives will be represented by not one, but two victors in Melbourne. This remarkable feat is a testament to the country’s growing presence in the sport.
It all began with Fernando Alonso’s triumphant win in 2006, which marked the third race of that season. Alonso’s impressive start, with a win in Bahrain and a second-place finish in Malaysia, set the tone for his second consecutive World Championship title. His victory in Albert Park was a defining moment, showcasing his exceptional skill and cementing his position as a top contender. The fact that he achieved this with the R26, a car that would become synonymous with his success, only adds to the allure of that memorable season.
Fast-forward to 2024, and Carlos Sainz Jr. etched his name into the history books with a stunning win, just 14 days after undergoing surgery for appendicitis. This incredible achievement is a testament to Sainz’s unwavering dedication and unrelenting passion for the sport. Despite being operated on just a fortnight prior, he managed to secure a second-place spot on the grid, outpaced only by the formidable Max Verstappen. As the lights went out on Sunday, Sainz put on a breathtaking display of speed, leaving the competition in his dust. His impressive performance will undoubtedly go down as one of the most remarkable feats in recent F1 history.
What’s even more remarkable is that Spain, a relatively small player in the F1 world, has produced two winners in Albert Park, surpassing Australia, a country with a rich motorsport tradition, 20 homegrown drivers, four World Championship titles (courtesy of Jack Brabham and Alan Jones), and an impressive 42 Grand Prix victories. Despite this storied history, Australian fans have been waiting since 1996 to see one of their own stand on the podium in Melbourne. They were tantalizingly close in 2014, when Daniel Ricciardo finished third, only to be disqualified due to a fuel flow irregularity. Mark Webber also came close, finishing fourth in 2012, but ultimately fell short of claiming a trophy on home soil.
Breaking the Curse
This season, two Australian drivers, Oscar Piastri and Jack Doohan, are poised to break the curse that has haunted their country for nearly three decades. Piastri, represented by none other than Mark Webber, is one of the favorites to take the top step of the podium, thanks to his impressive McLaren MCL39. With the weight of expectation on his shoulders, Piastri has the unique opportunity to etch his name into the history books and bring an end to Australia’s drought.
Doohan, on the other hand, is the dark horse of the grid, having been written off in favor of Colapinto before the season even began. However, his Alpine has shown surprising pace in the Bahrain tests, making him a potential contender for a podium spot. As the son of the legendary Mick Doohan, Jack has a chance to create his own history and claim a trophy in his first home Grand Prix as an F1 driver. While it’s a long shot, Doohan’s determination and skill make him a compelling underdog story. As we’ve seen time and time again in F1, nothing is set in stone, and the unpredictable nature of the sport means that anything can happen. Will Piastri or Doohan be the one to break the curse, or will the Spanish contingent continue to dominate? Only time will tell.