Sainz believes in victory in Melbourne: 'We might have a chance'

So close, yet ultimately very far away. After three free practice sessions, Ferrari felt it was a leading - perhaps even the leading - candidate for pole position in Melbourne. In the end, though, it was once again the devilish Max Verstappen who spoiled the Prancing Horse's party.

In the first weeks of the season, Ferrari was often fast on the one flying lap, but in the race, the team quickly sagged. So whether Verstappen can be beaten in the race on Sunday remains to be seen. "I think nowadays you need to be 100% to beat Max," said Carlos Sainz. "Today I wasn't. Probably due to that, I missed out on the pole. I think if I had done a 100% good job today, pole position could have been possible."

Sainz needs to 'be 100%' to beat Verstappen

Sainz could not think of a better way to return from surgery on his appendix. But Sunday; new round, new chances: "And tomorrow will be the same. I need to be 100% to beat Max. We will give it my absolute everything to do it because it's been a while since Singapore, and he's been on that top step since."

Perhaps in Australia, the Ferrari will be competitive not only in qualifying but also in the race. "If there's one weekend where we have a good pace, it’s this one. Tricky track to overtake, and it's tricky on tyres, so who knows? I think we might have a chance."