Motor racing-Sainz won't be 'stupid' about racing after surgery

FILE PHOTO: Formula One F1 - Australian Grand Prix - Melbourne Grand Prix Circuit, Melbourne, Australia - March 21, 2024 Ferrari's Carlos Sainz Jr. with fans ahead of the Australian Grand Prix REUTERS/Jaimi Joy/File Photo

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Two weeks after surgery for appendicitis and with no training since the operation, Carlos Sainz will ease back into his Ferrari racing seat for the first free practice at the Australian Grand Prix on Friday.

The 29-year-old Spaniard, third in the Bahrain season-opener, had to relinquish his seat to reserve driver Olive Bearman at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix while recovering from surgery.