Carlos Sainz executed one of the most impressive recoveries ever seen in F1 after winning the Australian Grand Prix just 16 days after having surgery for appendicitis.
In what has been a rollercoaster 2024 already for the
Spaniard, his triumph in Melbourne looks sure to be remembered as one of the
greatest comebacks in this sport. But he is by no means the first to overcome
huge adversity and succeed back in the cockpit. Here are 10 other remarkable
and inspiring injury comeback stories from the F1 history books...
READ MORE: ‘Life is crazy sometimes’ – Sainz overjoyed after
‘rollercoaster’ ride from hospital bed to Australian GP victory
Niki Lauda
The blood from his wounds was still soaking into Niki
Lauda’s balaclava when he made his return to F1 racing at Monza six weeks after
his near-death experience at the German Grand Prix. There, Lauda had been
driving through the fast Bergwerk left-hander when his Ferrari had twitched
left then speared right into the barriers, the impact causing the car’s fuel
tanks to rupture. Eventually pulled from the flaming Ferrari with burns to his
face and having inhaled toxic smoke, Lauda spent the following days being
treated for his burns and having his lungs vacuumed – a procedure that, yes, is
as grim as it sounds.
After listening to some uplifting Bob Marley while out
running during his rehab (apparently), Lauda announced that he planned to
return to F1 racing, against Enzo Ferrari’s wishes, at the Italian Grand Prix.
During Friday’s running at Monza, Lauda was racked with fear, abandoning his
day’s programme and heading back to his hotel after just one lap in his 312T.
