Carlos Sainz described 2024 as a “character-building year” after undergoing emergency appendicitis surgery early in the Formula 1 season. The Spaniard faced significant setbacks but managed a remarkable comeback, achieving a victory at the Australian Grand Prix while still recovering. His perseverance and positive mindset defined his 2024 F1 comeback.
Despite finishing fifth in the drivers’ championship with 290 points and two race wins, Sainz’s final year with Scuderia Ferrari was marked by both physical and emotional challenges. His transition from Ferrari to the Williams F1 team was also part of the backdrop to his difficult season.
Turning Point: Appendicitis at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Sainz’s ordeal began during the weekend of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah, where he was unexpectedly diagnosed with appendicitis. Despite feeling unwell on Thursday, he completed both practice sessions before the need for emergency surgery forced him to miss the race.
It’s like life is hitting me hard for some reason in 2024. For some reason they’ve decided this is my character-building year and I took it a bit like that.
—Carlos Sainz, Scuderia Ferrari
The sudden surgery tested Sainz’s limits, but he remained determined to stay involved with the team even while sidelined. He watched the race from the pit box, motivated by a fierce will to contribute beyond just his driving.
Like someone up there has decided this is the year to give me a bit of a hard time. I need to fight back, you know. And I remember having the appendix surgery and having to watch the race in the box with the team. I decided to walk into the paddock that day still limping.
—Carlos Sainz, Scuderia Ferrari
Adapting Roles to Support the Team Despite Physical Limits
Rather than withdrawing completely, Sainz chose to support his team by assisting reserve driver Oliver Bearman and working closely with engineers. He aimed to demonstrate his value beyond driving, learning to interpret the technical communication between engineers and drivers to provide strategic backing.
And I actually went to the paddock that day and said: I’m going to use this as an opportunity to see how my engineers communicate with Ollie, what kind of screens they’re seeing, how are they saying things, and I’m actually going to be a third engineer for them to maybe learn what if I was only in the car, what kind of information I would need to get in this exact moment.
—Carlos Sainz, Scuderia Ferrari
This hands-on involvement illustrated Sainz’s commitment to the team during adversity and revealed a new dimension of his expertise in race strategy and engineering collaboration.
Victory at the Australian Grand Prix: A Strong Comeback
Just two weeks after his surgery, Sainz returned to the cockpit to claim his first win of the season in Australia. This victory underscored his resilience and the mental strength that characterized his difficult 2024 campaign.
It’s tough, but it’s character-building, as I said. And I came back after that appendix surgery and won that race. And I think I won it because of that attitude – staying positive.
—Carlos Sainz, Scuderia Ferrari
The young Spaniard highlighted the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, which helped him overcome negativity and frustration during his recovery.
Because it would have been so easy to become negative and to curse the year, to curse the moment, and to curse life about how bad it’s treating you and remain negative. And I think that positivity is what helped me win the race on the comeback.
—Carlos Sainz, Scuderia Ferrari
The Broader Impact of Carlos Sainz’s 2024 Season
Carlos Sainz’s journey through emergency surgery to grand prix victory exemplifies remarkable determination amidst hardship. His ability to shift from driver to strategic team support and back to winning form spotlights his versatility and resilience. This 2024 F1 comeback will likely be remembered as a testament to the mental toughness required in top-level motorsport.
As Sainz prepares for his new chapter with Williams F1, his experience in 2024 embodies lessons in endurance, adaptability, and optimism that will inform his future performances on the grid.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is number 13 banned in F1?
A. Yes, the number 13 is permitted. Pastor Maldonado chose #13 when the permanent numbers started in 2014. Though many think it’s unlucky, drivers decide their numbers in F1.
Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?
A. Born in 1985, this British racer is in Formula One, representing Mercedes and formerly McLaren. Lewis Hamilton openly shares his experience with ADHD and explores his various interests and hobbies.
Q. Is 69 allowed in F1?
A. F1 Driver Number Rules: Drivers in F1 can pick a permanent number for their career. They can choose any number between 2 and 99, except for 17.
Q. Which F1 drivers have ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton, whose full name is Sir Lewis Carl Davidson Hamilton, was born in 1985. He is a British Formula One racer. Currently, he drives for Mercedes, although he has driven for McLaren in the past. Hamilton openly talks about living with ADHD and shares his wide-ranging interests and hobbies.