The 29-year-old driver emerged victorious in Melbourne on Sunday, after the unfortunate retirement of Red Bull’s three-time Formula 1 world champion, Max Verstappen, due to mechanical issues, marking his first win outside of Red Bull since 2022. This achievement is particularly remarkable considering that Sainz is currently without a seat for the upcoming 2025 season. Despite undergoing surgery to remove his appendix just one day before the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah on March 9, the Spanish driver was determined to accelerate his recovery. Sainz revealed that he immediately sought advice from professionals and engaged in various recovery techniques, such as consulting with other athletes and doctors both in Spain and internationally. Collaborating with his team, Sainz devised a comprehensive recovery plan that involved dedicating all waking hours for seven days exclusively to his recovery.
During his absence in Jeddah, Sainz witnessed the remarkable F1 debut of British teenager Oliver Bearman, who drove his car to an impressive seventh place. Motivated by this display, Sainz embarked on an intensive recovery regime, which included daily one-hour sessions in a hyperbaric chamber, where he breathed pure oxygen under increased pressure. Additionally, he used an INDIBA electromagnetic machine to aid in tissue repair. Sainz meticulously planned his activities, carefully allocating time for rest, walks, and consumption of nutritious foods that would facilitate his healing process. Despite feeling stiffness and fatigue at the end of the race in Albert Park, Sainz’s performance exceeded all expectations.
Reflecting on his journey, Sainz admitted that just nine days before his departure to Australia, he was confined to bed, unable to use his abdominal muscles without discomfort. However, upon arriving in Australia, he experienced a significant improvement in his condition. He noted that, as predicted by medical professionals, each day of the second week brought greater progress compared to the first seven days. Sainz’s triumphant return after his medical absence marks a significant milestone as he becomes the first driver since Gerhard Berger in 1997 to win his first race after such a hiatus.
Lando Norris, Sainz’s former teammate and current McLaren driver who finished third in the race, praised the unwavering determination and commitment of the Spaniard. Norris highlighted that not all drivers would have shown the same level of dedication and perseverance in their recovery efforts.
