However, Sainz expressed on Sunday that hard work pays off and life can be unpredictable. This statement came after the Ferrari driver emerged victorious in Melbourne, just two weeks after undergoing surgery to remove his appendix. Sainz had to skip the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to recover from the medical procedure. However, he made a triumphant return at Albert Park, securing his third career Formula 1 victory alongside his teammate Charles Leclerc.
Despite spending most of the two-week recovery period in bed, Sainz still managed to qualify his car in second place on the grid, alongside Max Verstappen. Unfortunately for Verstappen, he faced brake issues that led to his retirement, allowing Sainz to overtake him on the third lap. Sainz then skillfully held off Leclerc until a last lap crash involving George Russell triggered a virtual safety car, securing the victory for the Spanish driver.
This victory held a special significance for Sainz, as he had been informed before the start of the season that his race seat would be taken by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in 2025. Reflecting on his journey, Sainz expressed his rollercoaster of emotions, from the events at the beginning of the year to the podium in Bahrain, the appendix surgery, his comeback, and now the victory. Despite the ups and downs, Sainz embraced the unpredictability and expressed his extreme happiness.
Sainz also expressed his pride in the team and his joy at achieving a second place with Charles. He emphasized that this victory is a testament to the rewards of hard work. Furthermore, with his future in Formula 1 uncertain, Sainz acknowledged that this victory would certainly increase his chances of securing another opportunity. However, he made it clear that he doesn’t race just to prove his worth to team bosses. Sainz races for himself, with a mindset and approach that will remain unchanged.
In Ferrari’s press release after the race, they stated that they felt confident in the car from the start and were able to maintain a strong pace throughout the race. They praised the team for their exceptional performance during the weekend, including flawless execution of race strategy and quick pit stops. They congratulated everyone involved and expressed their determination to carry this momentum into the next race in Japan. With Leclerc setting the fastest lap, Ferrari scored maximum points and closed the gap to Red Bull in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. Leclerc acknowledged that Ferrari still has work to do to consistently compete with Red Bull, but they were pleased with their performance in this race.
