Ferrari’s Sainz has ‘no issues’ after return from illness

MELBOURNE, Australia — Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz says he experienced “no problems” after returning to the cockpit of his Formula One car for the first time since undergoing surgery to remove his appendix there two weeks ago.

Sainz completed 48 laps of the Albert Park circuit in the first two free practice sessions for this weekend's Australian Grand Prix and set the third fastest time.

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The 29-year-old missed the Saudi Grand Prix two weeks ago after being diagnosed with appendicitis on the morning of qualifying day, but looks set to make a full comeback in this year's race. weekend in Australia.

“I feel good, obviously a little tired after testing and I'm not 100% physically,” he said after the second practice session.

“But I felt like I had a good day and managed to do the whole program. If you had told me a week ago that I could have done all the tests without problems, I 'would have been very happy.

“I'm very happy with it. Obviously I need a good night's sleep and a good recovery for tomorrow. I felt good.”

In the second of two practice sessions, Sainz was 0.430 seconds off the best time of the day set by teammate Charles Leclerc, but he is confident he will be closer in qualifying.

“I think Charles looked very fast today,” he added. “For my part obviously, I took it step by step and I put it into rhythm, not to the limit of the car and not yet to the limit of myself.

“But I think with more laps and being a little more confident with how I feel inside. I think I will be faster tomorrow and hopefully I will fight for that pole position with him against everyone because I think it's going to be tight.”

“We saw it in FP1, in FP2 I think we took a good step forward. I think qualifying tomorrow will be more like FP1.”

Leclerc said he believes Ferrari has its best opportunity this year to beat Max Verstappen to pole position after the Red Bull driver secured pole and race victory in the first two grand prix of 2024.

“I would say we are in a better position than in the first two races,” Leclerc said. “However, Red Bull hasn't pushed yet, so we have to wait and see where their potential lies.

“I think there’s still a way to go, but we might have our best chance this weekend since the weekend started.”