Eagle-eyed fans fear for Carlos Sainz after spotting Ferrari star after winning Australian GP on return from surgery
FORMULA ONE fans are fearing for Carlos Sainz's health after he was seen struggling to get out of his car following his Australian Grand Prix triumph.
The Spaniard, 29, missed the second race of the season in Saudi Arabia earlier this month after being ruled out with appendicitis.
After undergoing appendix surgery he returned to race for Ferrari in Melbourne - replacing British teenager Oliver Bearman who earned seventh place in the Middle East.
And it was a memorable weekend for Sainz as he capitalised on Max Verstappen's early retirement to win his third Grand Prix.
Yet the effects of his appendix surgery could still be seen as he climbed out of the car after his victory.
Sainz awkwardly clambered up onto the side of his Ferrari before he gingerly put his feet on the floor and walked over to receive his congratulations.
Reacting to the clip, one said: "Class act is Carlos.... Red Bull next year.."
While another added: "He did an incredible job even though he wasn’t feeling 100% 🤍🤍🤍."
Following his whirlwind win, Sainz said: "Life sometimes is crazy.
"What happened at the beginning of the year (not being renewed at Ferrari), then the appendix and the comeback and the win - a rollercoaster, but I love it."
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He also opened up about struggling hugely with his abdominal muscles before flying to Australia.
Sainz added: "When I was about to catch my flight to Australia, I was still in bed and could barely use my abdominal muscles.
"I was like 'this isn't going to happen'. But I took the flight and suddenly when I landed in Australia, the feeling was a lot better."