Carlo Vanzini returns to commentate on Formula 1 after illness: back live from Sky’s remote garage in Milan after difficult months
Carlo Vanzini, one of the most recognizable and appreciated voices of Formula 1 in Italy, returned to the commentary booth for the Australian Grand Prix. The Sky Sport F1 commentator, who had been forced to miss the pre-season testing due to illness, kept the promise he had made to fans by returning in time for the opening race of the championship, which was later won by Mercedes driver George Russell.
“It was an incredible emotion to open a live broadcast again, even though, I must admit, it was quite tiring. Before the operation, working was a necessity for me: I needed to keep busy so I wouldn’t think about it. Now, partly because the wound still has to heal, and partly because I lost nine kilograms after the operation and another five before undergoing it, I feel a bit weak. Let’s say I’m at about 60 percent. But I’m happy to be back doing the job I love.”
In a long interview with Corriere della Sera, Vanzini spoke openly about the time away from the cameras, a period marked by one of the most important battles of his life. Reflecting on the path he has faced over the past months, the Sky commentator did not forget the many people who supported him along the way, starting with the doctors and colleagues and extending to his closest friends.
“I would like to say thank you to many people. To the doctors, to Professor Giulia Martina Cavestro, to my colleagues, and to my friends. But first of all to Cristina: when I discovered the illness, she was the first person I called. Cristina and I were already separated, but she immediately made herself available and helped me with everything. She was wonderful. It proves that love can transform, but it doesn’t end: we remain a family.”
His children were also by his side during this difficult time, each expressing their affection in their own unique way. “Each in their own way. Luca, the eldest, with his ‘You’re strong, dad.’ Giacomo with his warm teddy-bear hugs. And Anita, the youngest, with her sweetness and the way she disguised her worry in order to give me strength.”
The support of his mother was equally important, continuing to follow him with the care typical of every mother. “She was incredibly strong. Now she tells me typical mum things like: ‘Have you eaten?’, ‘Don’t lift heavy things!’, ‘Come over, I’ve made some vegetable soup.’ She too was overwhelmed by the wave of affection on social media that followed my illness: she’s not on any social network, and yet she received messages of encouragement from the most diverse and unexpected people.”
When will we see him trackside again at a Formula 1 Grand Prix?
A full recovery will still take some time, but Carlo Vanzini has already set a clear objective: returning to the paddock as soon as possible. The plan is to be able to follow a race on location within the next few weeks if his recovery continues in the right direction.
“I hope I can make it for the Miami Grand Prix on May 3. In any case, I want to enjoy time more and not let it slip through my fingers. For example: a friend needs to move his boat from Sardinia to Tuscany and asked if I want to go with him for two days. Before, I wouldn’t even have considered it; now I really want to do it.”
The message that meant the most
“I absolutely did not expect so much participation, and all the messages were beautiful: from strangers and from friends. Of course, I was particularly struck to receive messages from figures like Flavio Briatore, whom I don’t usually see, yet he was incredibly close to me even with phone calls, as well as Charles Leclerc, Stefano Domenicali and Maurizio Arrivabene.”
Vanzini and the illness: no need for another operation
The news delivered by doctors after the operation was encouraging. Surgeons were able to completely remove the tumor and no further treatments will be necessary. “They removed everything and there will be no need for chemotherapy or radiotherapy. After they told me that, I didn’t quite know how to feel: I’ve learned that things can change from one moment to the next.”
His relationship with the healthcare world, inevitably shaped by his personal history — six years ago his sister Claudia passed away from the same illness — now carries an even deeper meaning for Vanzini.
“I was treated by Professor Michele Reni, the same oncologist who treated my sister. It proves that research has made enormous progress and for that reason we must support it as much as possible. Doctors were my angels. Medical malpractice always makes the headlines, but we will never be grateful enough for the incredible work they do behind the scenes. I saw them cry for patients who didn’t make it.”
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