Williams make decision on Carlos Sainz fitness for Brazilian GP after suffering illness

Carlos Sainz has been ruled fit to compete at the Brazilian Grand Prix, Express Sport understands. The 31-year-old Spaniard missed Thursday's media duties at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace after contracting an illness, but appeared in the paddock on Friday ahead of the first practice session.

Sainz arrived in Sao Paulo looking to avenge frustrating Grands Prix in Austin and Mexico City, but the former McLaren and Ferrari driver was forced to take a day away from the race track to recover from an unspecified illness. "Unfortunately, Carlos is unwell and will not be coming to track today," a team statement read on Thursday.

"Heading to Brazil for what will be another sprint weekend, I'm looking forward to driving around this iconic track where anything can happen," Sainz said in a team address on Thursday.

"Being a Sprint, we'll be limited on practice sessions, so we'll look to get up to speed early on car setup. Sao Paulo weather always plays a part across the weekend, so we'll look to capitalise on any opportunities we can. The Brazilian fans are so passionate about F1, so it's always a great week with a lot of support."

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