HIGHLIGHTS: Relive the action from a dramatic Australian Grand Prix as Sainz wins while Verstappen retires

Carlos Sainz has enjoyed an impressive return to action by taking victory in the Australian Grand Prix just two weeks after undergoing surgery following appendicitis, while world champion Max Verstappen retired early in the running.

Sainz was initially unable to overtake pole-sitter Max Verstappen off the line, but a moment for Verstappen on Lap 2 allowed the Ferrari to find a way through.

READ MORE: Sainz storms to victory amid drama in Australia as Verstappen retires and Russell crashes out

There was then huge drama when smoke started to billow out from the rear of the Red Bull, forcing Verstappen to retire from a race for the first time in two years.

From there Sainz enjoyed a mostly smooth drive to the win, with Charles Leclerc making it a one-two finish for the team, while Lando Norris rounded out the podium in third.

Home favourite Oscar Piastri claimed fourth, ahead of Sergio Perez in the sole Red Bull in fifth, but there was further late drama when George Russell crashed out on the last lap, marking a tough day for Mercedes after Lewis Hamilton retired earlier with a mechanical issue.

Click on the video player above to watch the highlights from the 2024 Australian Grand Prix.