Formula One: 'Life is crazy' - Ferrari's Carlos Sainz reflects on Australian GP win after appendix surgery

On Sunday (March 24), Ferrari's Carlos Sainz clinched the Australian Grand Prix at the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, to put an end to Red Bull's Max Verstappen's glorious title-run in recent times. What makes Sainz's win even more special is that he was on a comeback trail from a medical absence which forced him to skip the Saudi Arabian GP, early this month.

Sainz's teammate, Charles Leclerc finished below him, handing the first one-two of the season for the team. Coming back just two weeks after having an appendix surgery, the 29-year-old Spaniard was elated after his effort in Melbourne. He told the reporters, "What happened at the beginning of the year, then the podium in Bahrain, then the appendix, the comeback, the win. It's a rollercoaster, but I loved it. I'm extremely happy."

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He further opined, "Very proud of the team, happy to be in a one-two with Charles here. It shows that the hard work pays off. Life, sometimes it's crazy."

With his F1 future under dark clouds, Sainz said the win would certainly not hurt his chances of picking up another drive.

"For sure it does no harm, that is 100% (sure). I am still without a job for next year. Everyone more or less knows what I'm capable of doing. I don't race to prove to team principals my value. I race for myself ... That's the mentality and approach I have and will continue to."

Talking about the race, world champion Verstappen had to retire due to a brake problem whereas Sainz overtook the Red Bull driver on the third lap. Later, heheld off Leclerc until a last-lap George Russell crash brought out the virtual safety car, ensuringa sweet victory for Sainz (his third overall).