Sainz makes a thunderous comeback with victory in Melbourne: “Sometimes life is crazy! »

Just 15 days ago, Carlos Sainz had to withdraw, out of spite, from the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, victim of an attack of appendicitis. Operated immediately, his presence at the Australian Grand Prix was then called into question: would he have time to recover and if so, to what level? Two weeks later, the Spaniard answered all these questions in the most beautiful way: by winning!

THE DOUBLE OF THE STABLE FERRARI 🔥🔥

Carlos Sainz wins the #AusGP before Charles Leclerc et Lando Norris (I.e.#F1 pic.twitter.com/1UKKIYWECN

— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) March 24, 2024

The day after a successful qualification, placing his Ferrari on the front row alongside Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz was able to take advantage of the mechanical problem encountered in the first laps by the driver Red Bull to take control of the Australian GP… and never let go. Author of a controlled race at the front of the peloton, the Madrilenian managed his advance perfectly, maintaining a sufficiently large gap with his teammate Charles Leclerc.

At the end of a race only disrupted by two Virtual Safety Cars, Carlos Sainz scored his third success in Formula 1 and ended a series of nine consecutive victories for Max Verstappen. A scenario which is reminiscent of that of 2023, where the Spaniard had already beaten the Dutchman by winning the Singapore Grand Prix…

« I recommend all pilots to have their appendix removed! »

Carlos Sainz (Ferrari), winner of the Australian Grand Prix: “It was a very good race! I felt very good, although of course, physically I am a little exhausted. It wasn't easy, but I was more or less in my bubble and I was able to manage my pace and my tires. It wasn't the most difficult race, but I'm very happy and very proud of the team. Happy to also do a double with Charles [Leclerc], it shows that the work pays off. »

“Sometimes life is crazy: after what happened this winter (the announcement of his replacement by Lewis Hamilton in 2025, Editor's note), the podium in Bahrain, then the appendicitis attack, the comeback, the victory... it's a roller coaster! But I love it, and I'm very happy. I recommend all pilots to have their [appendix] removed! (laughs) »

“I felt like I could keep pace [with Verstappen] in the first few laps, and stay in the DRS zone. Here, the DRS is very effective. At one point he lost control at Turn 3, and that was my chance to get closer and attempt a pass. As soon as he was behind, I saw that he was in trouble with the brakes, and it was over for him. It's a shame because I think we could have had a good battle for victory today but I'm happy to take the victory today. He already has plenty! »

“From the second lap, when I took control, I knew I could do it, especially in the open air. Of course, I had in mind the risk of a Safety Car or a red flag, but it was a clean race where not much happened. »

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