“I feel good,” Carlos Sainz gives update on first F1 outing since returning to the grid after appendicitis surgery

Carlos Sainz will be looking to have a decent weekend at the Australian GP after going through an appendicitis surgery two weeks ago.


“I feel good,” Carlos Sainz gives update on first F1 outing since returning to the grid after appendicitis surgery

Carlos Sainz (via IMAGO)

Carlos Sainz suffered from Appendicitis during the Saudi Arabian GP and was forced to miss the race. This impacted the 29-year-old’s position in the standings and broke his momentum from a decent season opener. However, ahead of the Australian GP, Sainz shared details about his first outing after the surgery.

Carlos Sainz opened up about his feeling post-surgery and how he felt ahead of the Australian GP. Sainz finished P8 and P3 respectively in the two free practice sessions on friday. The Spaniard asserted that he wasn’t 100 percent physically but had a great day of practice. Additionally, the 29-year-old explained how he was ‘very happy’ after finishing the practice sessions after a difficult past weeks due to surgery.

I feel okay, a bit tired after a full day of practice, not being 100 percent physically but I felt like I had a good day, and I managed to complete the whole programme. If you would have told me a week ago that I could do the whole practice without any issues, I would have been very happy, and I am very happy about that.
Sainz said, as reported by racingnews365.com.
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Hence, moving ahead to the Qualifying session on Saturday, Sainz mentioned that he needed a good night’s sleep. Recovering from the two practice sessions today, the 29-year-old would likely score great results down the Australian GP. The Spaniard had scored a podium in the season-opener Bahrain GP and hence is looking hopeful of a great performance in the 2024 season.

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I need a good night's sleep and a good recovery for tomorrow, but I feel good.
Sainz noted.

Carlos Sainz admits he didn’t push to the ‘limit’ on Friday at Albert Park

Carlos Sainz fared well in the two practice sessions, showcasing that the Spaniard was ready for the race weekend. However, the 29-year-old asserted that he wasn’t at the limit regarding the challenger or his capabilities. Hence, Sainz might even outperform his recent performances if he were to push himself. The Spaniard would potentially fight for the pole position against Max Verstappen.

I wasn't at the limit of the car or the limit of myself yet but I think with more laps and getting a bit more confident, I will be faster tomorrow and the battle for the pole position against him and everyone else.
Carlos Sainz stated
Carlos Sainz
Carlos Sainz (via IMAGO).

However, Sainz was not hesitant in acknowledging how the qualifying would be tight for the pole position. The 29-year-old mentioned that the qualifying session would be similar to the FP1 session at the Australian GP. Hence, great racing action might be in the works for the third race of the 24-race season this time around.

It is going to be tight [in qualifying], in FP2 we made a good step, but I think qualifying is going to be like FP1 [with the top five separated by less than a tenth].
Sainz explained.

Red Bull has showcased yet another dominant performance in the 2024 season and would likely lift the trophy. Max Verstappen scored two dominant victories in the first two races itself. However, Sainz’s performance might help him propel to fight for the runner-up spot in the drivers’ championship.

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