Carlos Sainz can’t believe he qualified on the front row for his first race since appendicitis surgery

Carlos Sainz had a quick recovery after an appendicitis surgery. Sainz had to sit out from the Saudi Arabian GP due to the surgery and missed out on a potentially solid result. However, the 29-year-old is off to a great start to the Australian GP after qualifying on the front row. The Spaniard admitted his disbelief over this impressive result.

Carlos Sainz had a decent run during the three practice sessions of the Australian GP. Subsequently, Sainz drove well during Qualifying and out-qualified his teammate Charles Leclerc. The 29-year-old reflected upon the ‘tough couple weekends’ and how he was bedridden. However, after qualifying front row, the Spaniard asserted that he almost couldn’t believe the results.

It's been a tough couple of weeks, a lot of days in bed waiting to see if I could be here today. To put it on the front row after leading through qualifying, I was almost not believing it.

Sainz told in the post-qualifying interview (H&T: @JunaidSamodien_/X).

Additionally, Sainz recalled the practice sessions in Albert Park and insisted on how he was ‘rusty’ during the sessions. The 29-year-old is comfortable with the SF-24 for his final season at Ferrari. However, Carlos Sainz mentioned that he was very uncomfortable during the session due to his surgery. Regardless, the Spaniard explained that there was no pain and hence he could push flat out during qualifying.

I was a bit rusty yesterday but I'm feeling good with the car. Not going to lie, not in my most comfortable state when I'm driving out there but I can get it done. A lot of discomfort and no pain, so it allows me to push flat out

Sainz said.

Charles Leclerc opens up on Qualifying struggles after being outperformed by Carlos Sainz

Charles Leclerc faced multiple issues with his SF24 during Qualifying. The Monegasque managed to secure a P5 start for the Australian GP. The 26-year-old mentioned that he didn’t find the right feeling with the SF-24 challenger. Leclerc added that the front wasn’t as strong and that the team went aggressive on the front wing.

I just didn't find the right feeling today, for some reason. There was that feeling in FP3. The front wasn't as strong, and then we went agressive on the front wing.

Leclerc told in the post-qualifying interview (H&T: @JunaidSamodien_/X).

The 26-year-old pointed out that he race was long with four DRS zones to enable early competition. However, Leclerc still believed that Red Bull had some margin over the rival teams. Regardless, the Monegasque asserted that he could pressure Sergio Perez and others to gain an advantage on the track.

The race is long, and there are four DRS zones. I still believe that Red Bull has some margin, but if we can get ahead of the car at the start, then I can put pressure on Checo and the cars ahead.

Leclerc concluded

Ferrari has improved significantly compared to the 2023 season. Sainz despite suffering from the condition, has bounced back great from the setback. Hence, the Australian GP would be exciting for the Tifosi to see the challenge Maranello provides to the reigning world champions Red Bull.

In case you missed it:

• “I feel good,” Carlos Sainz gives update on first F1 outing since returning to the grid after appendicitis surgery
• Helmut Marko spill the beans on reason for Ferrari’s superior performance during Australian GP practice

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