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Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz has kicked off his 2024 campaign in spectacular form, winning the Australian GP, which marked his sensational comeback after missing the Saudi Arabian GP due to surgery.
Ferrari have also made significant gains over the winter, with Sainz noting that their 2024 challenger, the SF-24, provides a notably more stable platform. This has allowed him to trust the car and push it to its limits - the same level of confidence he lacked with its predecessor, SF-23.
Ahead of F1's return to the Shanghai International Circuit, Carlos Sainz suggested that his driving style has remained the same as in the previous season. However, SF-24 is more predictable and creates fewer scary moments. He explained that this has allowed the team to hit the ground running from the pre-season test in Bahrain:
The Spaniard was quoted by formu1a.uno as saying:
"In general the car offers a more stable platform which gives you fewer bad moments during the lap. It scares you less. Last year they happened without us understanding and this was taking away my confidence. This year, already from the winter tests in Bahrain, you could see that there were very few of those moments."
He added:
"The car is simply a more stable platform that allows you to stay closer to the limit more often. And that means more trust, and more trust means better performance."
Ferrari boast an edge over their previous years competitors - Mercedes, McLaren, Aston Martin - this season. Despite making strides over the winter, they still find themselves trailing behind reigning champions, Red Bull Racing.
Formula 1 returns to the Shanghai International Circuit after a five-year hiatus this weekend. The Maranello-based outfit is setting its sights on closing the gap to Red Bull at the 3.388-mile (5.451 km) circuit which boasts long straights and slow corners.
The Chinese GP will also serve as the venue for the first Sprint race of the season, introducing a new format, scheduled between April 19-21.
Carlos Sainz shares concerns ahead of F1's return to Shangai
Formula 1 returns to Shanghai International Circuit after an absence of five years, with the last visit to the track dating back to 2019. Multiple drivers including Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz have raised concerns about the track hosting a sprint race, leaving teams with only one hour of practice.
Sainz considers the Shanghai Circuit a great racing track. However, he questioned whether the track should host a sprint race this season. He was quoted by The Mirror:
"I think China as a race circuit is a great one. I think it's one of our favourite ones. It's just a great racing track... but I think it's not a good choice to put the Sprint [there] after a four or five years' absence. We also heard there is resurfacing going on."
Max Verstappen echoed similar thoughts as Carlos Sainz, and believes the sole practice session for the weekend will create some interesting scenarios.
