Carlos Sainz is eager to race again: Ferrari is considering special equipment to ensure he doesn’t miss the Australian weekend too.
Scuderia Ferrari Spanish driver Carlos Sainz wants to return to the track for the Australian Grand Prix. After missing the weekend in Saudi Arabia due to health issues – as we know, he underwent an appendectomy – the Ferrari driver is determined to be fully present for the race which will take place at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne.
Initial doubts were raised about the condition of Ferrari’s number 55: Would Carlos Sainz be able to race in Australia? Later, there were hopeful signs regarding his recovery time.
However, for the final green light, the Spaniard has to pass one last test: the FIA medical check, which will determine if he’s fit to endure the demanding pace of the weekend in Melbourne. After the first two races on Saturday in the Arabian territories, due to the start of Ramadan, Formula 1 is returning to its Sunday races. For Europeans, it will be tough, as this year the schedule for the Australian GP has changed.
Carlos Sainz doesn’t want to miss the Melbourne event, the third round of the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship. Photographer Kym Illman captured the driver in the Albert Park paddock, after returning from a bicycle training session with his team.
The Spaniard showed his post-surgical scar to a few Ferrari staff members, explaining that he has adopted a special “equipment” to be able to drive this weekend. Essentially, Carlos Sainz will use some sort of padding under the safety belt to reduce pressure on the scar. A challenging show of strength.
According to Kym Illman, Carlos Sainz will normally run in the first free practice session and, depending on how his body reacts, will continue with the other sessions or will once again give his place to Oliver Bearman.
For detailed schedules of the Australian GP and the complete TV programming, we refer you to this article.
Source: f1ingenerale
