The 29-year-old emerged victorious in Melbourne on Sunday following the unfortunate retirement of Red Bull’s triple Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen due to mechanical issues, marking his first non-Red Bull win 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 a day before the Saudi Grand Prix in Jeddah on March 9, the Spanish driver was determined to expedite 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 every waking hour for seven days solely to his recuperation.
During his absence in Jeddah, Sainz witnessed the remarkable F1 debut of British teenager Oliver Bearman, who piloted his car to an impressive seventh-place finish. Motivated by this display, Sainz embarked on an intensive recovery regimen, which included daily hour-long sessions in a hyperbaric chamber, where he breathed pure oxygen at increased pressure. Additionally, he utilized an electromagnetic INDIBA machine to aid in tissue repair. Sainz meticulously planned his activities, carefully allocating time for rest, walking, and consuming nourishing food that would facilitate his healing process. Despite feeling stiffness and fatigue by the end of the race at Albert Park, Sainz’s performance surpassed all expectations.
Reflecting on his journey, Sainz admitted that just nine days prior to his departure for Australia, he was confined to his bed, unable to utilize 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 passing day of the second week brought about greater progress compared to the initial seven days. Sainz’s triumphant return from his medical absence marks a significant milestone, as he becomes the first driver since Gerhard Berger in 1997 to win their first race following such a hiatus.
Lando Norris, Sainz’s former teammate and current McLaren driver who secured third place in the race, praised the Spaniard’s unwavering determination and commitment. Norris highlighted that not all drivers would have exhibited the same level of dedication and perseverance in their recovery efforts.