P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Carlos Sainz qualified second for Ferrari on his return at the Australian Grand Prix – to Max Verstappen.
Carlos Sainz was amazed by his performance battling Max Verstappen for pole position at the Australian Grand Prix following his return from surgery, having missed the Saudi Arabia race due to appendix removal. Despite inability to train or use the simulator during recovery, Sainz emerged as Verstappen’s closest rival during qualifying in Melbourne. In the end, Verstappen clinched pole, but Sainz secured a front row start ahead of Sergio Perez. Sainz described his journey back to competition as tough but gratifying. He expressed satisfaction in challenging the Red Bulls despite initial rustiness, and managing to drive without pain despite discomfort. As Sainz continues to persevere through the difficulties, he remains determined to push to his limits on the race track.
