Despite the challenges following surgery, Sainz makes a remarkable comeback to F1 racing by securing second place in qualifying in Australia

Carlos Sainz went from being in a hospital bed a few weeks ago to being at the front of the grid for the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix on Sunday.

Sainz, who drives for Ferrari, had to miss the last F1 race in Saudi Arabia because of appendicitis. Despite having surgery, he quickly tried to come back for the third round of the season in Melbourne.

His comeback was successful. During qualifying on the temporary street circuit at Albert Park, he finished second-fastest on Saturday, just behind Max Verstappen, who has won the first two F1 races this season.

“It’s been a tough couple of weeks, a lot of days in bed waiting for this moment to see if I could be here today,” Sainz said.

“To make it to this weekend and then obviously to put it on the front row after leading through qualifying, I was almost not believing it, especially after how tough it’s been.”

However, it wasn’t all easy. “I was a bit rusty at the beginning yesterday, but then I got up to speed, and I could finally find the pace, and I’m feeling good with the car,” he said.

“I’m not going to lie, I’m not in my most comfortable state when I’m driving out there, but I can get it done,” he added. “And as far as I can get it done without pain… a lot of discomfort and weird feelings, but no pain, so it allows me to push flat-out.”