Sainz Victory Human Spirit

Wolff Lauds Sainz’s Victory: ‘The Power of Human Endeavor’

29/03/2024

In a remarkable display of resilience, Carlos Sainz’s Australian GP victory highlights the immense power of human spirit and determination amidst uncertainty.

Mercedes F1 Team Principal Toto Wolff believes Carlos Sainz’s victory at the Australian Grand Prix exemplifies “the power of human endeavor.”

Ferrari revealed on the eve of the season that they had signed Lewis Hamilton as Charles Leclerc’s teammate for 2025, leaving Sainz without a seat for next year.

This shocking announcement came despite Sainz securing the sole non-Red Bull win last season, with the Spaniard also getting off to a strong start in 2024.

Sainz secured a podium in Bahrain but missed the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix due to appendicitis, casting doubt on his participation in the Australian GP.

Although he admitted to being less than fully fit, Sainz shone to claim pole position and capitalized on Max Verstappen’s retirement to lead a Ferrari one-two at the finish.

Wolff expressed his happiness for Sainz and his long-time friend and Ferrari Team Principal, Frédéric Vasseur.

“First and foremost, I’m happy for Ferrari. I’m happy for Fred. He deserves it.”

“Last year, we were flying together, and on the Emirates flight from Dubai to Melbourne, he suffered a disc herniation in his spine that made it impossible for him to sit or sleep, so he stood for 13 hours. Then one of his cars crashed and the other finished 4th. It looked disastrous. And he was under pressure from all of Italy.”

“And now he has his first one-two with the Scuderia! I’m genuinely happy for him.”

“And even though I hate our situation [Mercedes experienced a double DNF], he deserves it. And Ferrari deserves it. And Italy deserves it.”

“And Carlos deserves it. After the appendicitis and not being at 100%. But also after being told he wouldn’t be there in 2025. It shows what human power can do when needed.”

Sainz Victory Human Spirit. Sainz Victory Human Spirit

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