Carlos Sainz achieved an impressive win at the Australian Grand Prix when Max Verstappen had to retire from the race due to brake failure.
Just two weeks after having surgery for appendicitis, Sainz started at the front of the grid next to pole sitter Verstappen, who was aiming to match his own record of 10 consecutive wins.
However, the Dutchman's hopes were dashed when his Red Bull experienced a right-rear brake malfunction and caught fire, leading to his first retirement from a race since Australia 2022.
After that, the Spaniard had an easy race, winning his third Formula 1 event and leading a Ferrari 1-2 with Charles Leclerc in second place and McLaren's Lando Norris in third.
Both Mercedes cars did not finish, with Sir Lewis Hamilton encountering a sudden power unit issue early on, and George Russell crashing out dramatically on the final lap while pursuing Fernando Alonso for sixth place.
Ahead of the weekend, Sainz admitted he wasn't '100 per cent' and had Oliver Bearman on standby to replace him if necessary, but after crossing the finish line, the 29-year-old was overjoyed.
'It was a really good race. I felt really good out there,' he said.
'I was a little stiff, and physically it wasn't the easiest, but I was fortunate to be somewhat on my own and could control my pace, my tires, and everything. It wasn't the most challenging race.
However, I'm very happy and proud of the team, and delighted to secure a one-two with Charles here. It demonstrates that hard work pays off and life can be unpredictable.
'What happened at the start of the year, then the podium in Bahrain, then the appendix, the comeback, the win… it's been a rollercoaster, but I loved it and I'm extremely happy.
'I would advise all drivers to have their appendix removed this winter!'
Interestingly, Sainz also put an end to Verstappen's record winning streak last season, with his victory in Singapore being the only non-Red Bull win of 2023.
This win was significant for the driver, who is aiming to impress as he is without a seat for 2025 after Ferrari signed Hamilton.
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