From the hospital bed to the top of the podium – Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz has won his first Australian Grand Prix and taken his famous team to a 10th win at Albert Park.
Two weeks ago the 29-year-old Spaniard had his appendix removed and despite looking a bit off his best for much of this weekend, he dragged out his best form on the track to claim his first win since Singapore last year.
Second placed Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, left, of Monaco pours champagne on teammate Carlos Sainz of Spain.Credit: AP
Amazingly, Sainz is currently without a team for next year after Ferrari’s move to bring Lewis Hamilton to the team in 2025.
Race favourite Max Verstappen had to retire inside the first five laps after an issue with his brakes saw his back tyre catch fire.
“It was a really good race, I’ve felt really good out there,” Sainz told the broadcasters post-race.
“Basically, it wasn’t the easiest but I was lucky that it was more or less on my own and I could and into my days, manage the tyres, manage everything, very happy, very proud of the team, it shows that the hard work pays off and life sometimes is crazy, you know.
“What happened at the beginning of the year and then Bahrain and then the appendix, the comeback, the win, it’s a roller-coaster but I loved it and I’m extremely happy.”
