Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur is "confident" Carlos Sainz will see out the Australian Grand Prix weekend after returning to the cockpit.
Sainz completed first practice at Albert Park just 12 days after an appendectomy that forced him out of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where he was replaced by F2 driver Oliver Bearman.
The Spaniard has taken precautions to ensure he can drive despite discomfort, with adjustments made to the harness that secures him in the cockpit.
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'I am not a doctor, but I am confident'
Sainz finished his first session back in the car eighth fastest for the Scuderia, though could be seen gingerly extracting himself from the SF-24 in the garage afterwards.
Asked how Sainz was coping, Vasseur told media including RacingNews365: "So far, so good, we are optimistic for the weekend."
On whether his driver would be able to complete the weekend, Vasseur replied: "I am not a doctor, but I am confident."
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