Hard work pays off and life is sometimes crazy, said Carlos Sainz after the Ferrari driver won the Australian Grand Prix just two weeks after appendix surgery.
Sainz, who missed the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix while recovering, returned at Melbourne's Albert Park to post his third Formula 1 win in a one-two finish with teammate Charles Leclerc.
Sainz spent much of the two weeks resting but still managed to put his car second on the grid next to Max Verstappen in qualifying on Saturday. With world champion Verstappen suffering a brake problem that forced him to retire on race day, Sainz overtook on the third lap. He then held off Leclerc until a last-lap George Russell crash brought out the virtual safety car to seal the victory.
It was a sweet feeling for Sainz, who was informed before the start of the season that he would be replaced by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in 2025.
"Very proud of the team, happy to be in a one-two with Charles. It shows that hard work pays off. Life, sometimes it's crazy," Sainz said.
REUTERS
Carlos Sainz is showered with champagne by teammate Charles Leclerc after a Ferrari one-two finish. AP
