In what concluded in a dominating victory for Charles Leclerc, there were significant other stories that unfurled throughout.
After missing out in 2020 and 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic and travel restrictions, Melbourne was reintroduced to the calendar this year.
On his way to his first win at Albert Park, Charles Leclerc led all 58 laps with Max Verstappen challenging until his retirement.
On Lap 39 of 58, Verstappen was forced to retire, leaving him in sixth place in the drivers' standings, with only 25 points for his Jeddah victory.
Sergio Perez of Red Bull finished second, with Mercedes' George Russell rounding out the podium.
The Monegasque driver put in a scintillating final flying lap which saw him record a time of 1:17.868s.
Medium-tyred runs were first in FP2, with Sainz, the FP1 leader, setting the early pace, before softs were fitted and Leclerc jumped to P1.
In a much-improved Ferrari package, Leclerc has taken a victory and a P2 in the first two races of the season, and is now leading the drivers' standings.
With a second wind in the closing stages, Charles Leclerc set the fastest lap, but reigning champion Max Verstappen kept him at bay.
The Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz secured P2 and P3 respectively while reigning champion Max Verstappen could only manage P4.