Formula 1: Sainz victory after sick leave – debacle for Verstappen – Sport – Schwarzwälder Bote
Formula 1 Sainz victory after sick leave – debacle for Verstappen
Martin Moravec and Jens Marx, dpa March 24, 2024 – 2:42 p.m
Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz celebrates his victory with champagne. Photo: Scott Barbour/AP/dpa
Carlos Sainz was recently lying in bed after an appendectomy. In Australia, the Ferrari driver delivers a strong application drive – and benefits from a disaster for Max Verstappen.
Melbourne – Euphoric about his new gut feeling, Carlos Sainz gave his Formula 1 colleagues some medical advice for the long journey home. After his triumphant ride in Melbourne’s Albert Park just two weeks after an appendectomy, the 29-year-old Ferarri driver joked: “I’ll recommend all drivers take it out this winter.”
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It was a race against time to ensure that the Spaniard was able to be there when Max Verstappen was completely frustrated. Sainz enjoyed the generous sip of champagne all the more in the confetti shower after the Australian Grand Prix. “I like that rollercoaster ride. Life is just unbelievable sometimes,” he said.
Joy in the Ferrari home
“Sainz’s miracle: from the hospital to triumph,” enthused the Italian newspaper “La Stampa.” The fact that Charles Leclerc in Ferrari’s second car completed the Scuderia’s first double success since Bahrain 2022 crowned the day of celebration in red and raised new hopes.
“Ferrari opens the world championship. A red cloud is rising – for now – in the blue sky,” said “La Gazzetta dello Sport” with a view to the title fight and the (previous) dominance of Red Bull with its predominantly blue-painted cars. “Red Bull’s aura of invincibility goes up in flames and ignites the Formula 1 battle,” said the “Guardian” from England.
In his third career victory, Sainz benefited above all from the braking disaster for world champion Verstappen. The big favorite was eliminated after four laps with a smoking Red Bull tail. Team boss Christian Horner was left with nothing but congratulations to the winner: “What a great performance by Carlos and the Ferrari team.”
Sainz: Therapy in a hyperbaric chamber
The fact that Sainz was able to win the third race of the year and break Verstappen’s winning streak of nine Grand Prix across seasons also had a lot to do with his enthusiasm. He spent seven days in bed after the procedure in Jeddah, where youngster Oliver Bearman represented him. Then work on the comeback began immediately, including exchanges with doctors and athletes as well as therapy in a hyperbaric chamber.
Before the flight to Australia, Sainz thought: “It won’t work.” But how something came of it! “My body is still in defense mode,” said the exhausted Sainz after the minutes of celebration in front of his dad Carlos and girlfriend Rebecca. “I do everything more slowly and carefully.”
Verstappen radios: “Fire, fire”
Verstappen didn’t have much time on the asphalt. Despite his 35th career pole, he was ousted from the lead by Sainz after just two laps. “The brakes haven’t released anymore,” said Red Bull motorsport consultant Helmut Marko, describing the problem faced by the still world championship leader. “As a result, the brake got completely stuck.”
On the fourth lap, Verstappen alerted the command post: “There is smoke, blue smoke, fire, fire.” The Dutchman’s Red Bull became slower and slower and passed to the end of the field. Flames shot out of the right rear wheel as Verstappen drove his car into the garage.
The world champion’s brakes are stuck
The crew put out the fire immediately, but the world champion had to park his car after just five laps. Uncomprehending and annoyed, Verstappen took off his helmet. Wearing a T-shirt, Verstappen then discussed the fiasco with team boss Horner at the command post. “As soon as the lights went out, the right brake stuck, so the car was difficult to drive from the start. It was very sluggish,” explained Verstappen after his first failure since Australia in 2022. “If the brake is stuck, then that doesn’t help. “
Sainz took advantage of this mercilessly. “I felt really good out there,” said the 29-year-old, who initially felt “a bit rusty” and became increasingly stiff in the cockpit as the time went on. Third in Australia was Lando Norris in a McLaren. And the Briton already announced after the recommendation of his victorious former teammate: “I’m going to have my appendix removed. Apparently you do it and win a race soooooo… Congratulations Carlitos.”
Red Bull does not believe in a World Cup turnaround
With his success from sick leave, Sainz has certainly increased his market value for potential new employers. “I don’t know,” he said and then quickly added: “But it’s 100 percent not harmful.” After this season he has to make way for record world champion Lewis Hamilton, who is continuing to weaken massively at and with Mercedes – out in Australia due to an engine defect.
Ferrari can enjoy the end of the Melbourne weekend, Red Bull is looking for the cause after the Verstappen debacle. At least motorsports consultant Marko is far from believing that there will be a turnaround in the World Cup battle. “Ferrari is certainly a danger,” he admitted. “But you can get that under control with Max.”