As Charles Leclerc and Ferrari star again in Australia, could a three-way F1 title fight emerge?

Sunday 26 September, 2010. The last time a Ferrari driver, namely Fernando Alonso, achieved Formula 1’s Grand Slam — pole position in qualifying, the quickest lap during the race and victory after leading from start to finish — at the Singapore Grand Prix.

Ad/> At least, that was the case until today. On a warm and sunny afternoon at Albert Park, all the plaudits belonged to Charles Leclerc as he cantered to Australian Grand Prix glory — a statement victory if ever there’s been one, and one which secured the very first Slam of his own blossoming career.

Australian Grand PrixHamilton hails ‘great result’ for Mercedes after ‘unexpected’ Melbourne display4 HOURS AGO The in-form Monegasque driver backed up his season-opening win at the Bahrain Grand Prix and a second-placed finish in Jeddah two weeks ago with yet another imperious display Down Under. Saturday also saw him clinch the Scuderia’s first pole position in Melbourne since Kimi Raikkonen achieved the feat a whopping 15 years ago.

But what is so special about the 24-year-old’s current displays — and are they indicative of a driver well and truly on the rise to stardom? TITLE-WINNER IN THE MAKING? A bold statement, yes, but on current inspection, there is every reason to believe Leclerc has what it takes to bring the glory days back to one of Formula 1’s most established teams. It might not have been plain sailing for Leclerc during Sunday’s race, either.

Twice the safety car was deployed after accidents saw team-mate Carlos Sainz, and later the returning Sebastian Vettel, retire from the race. But on both occasions, Leclerc was able to re-establish his authority and pull away from those closest to him on the track, eventually triumphing after 58 laps with an