Sainz satisfied: 'It felt like we were back to being competitive'

Carlos Sainz can be satisfied with the first day of the Dutch Grand Prix. The Spaniard finished third in the first free practice, while a few hours later he set the second fastest time. He is having a good time in Zandvoort, he told Formula1.com.

Last week Ferrari struggled on the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. The Italian team hoped to come out of the summer break strong, but had to settle for a victory for Max Verstappen. In the Netherlands, the team hopes to do a lot better.

"It’s great to be back at such a challenging track, demanding as it is," Sainz said. "I enjoyed... driving out there, even better when you look at the times we did out there. It felt like we were back to being competitive after such a difficult weekend in Spa, but also very surprised with how quick everyone is."

Sainz asks team for sharpness

Sainz also says it feels good to be back at the front. However, with all the teams so close to each other the driver is keeping an open mind. Sainz says it's possible the competition could surprise Ferrari.