Sainz positive but cautious: 'Keep taking it one step at a time'

Carlos Sainz is back from appendicitis and has already completed two practice sessions in the premier class of motorsport. This weekend, the Australian Grand Prix is scheduled and the Spaniard is back in the race. After his surgery, Sainz got back into the SF-24 today, and it went pretty well according to the driver.

"It’s been a couple of tough weeks leading to today and, to be honest, I’m very happy I could complete both sessions feeling reasonably comfortable. I will continue to take it step by step to make sure I come to qualifying and to the race in the best form possible," Sainz told reporters after Friday in Australia.

"I’m confident tomorrow will be better, and the car seems to be in a good place this weekend overall. We’ll try to maximise everything from body and machine," the 29-year-old driver concluded.

Oliver Bearman was Sainz's replacement in Saudi Arabia, but the young Briton will be in action this weekend in Formula 2, where he has not yet managed to score many points. If Bearman wants to keep his eyes on the championship there, he needs to start scoring points slowly.