Carlos Sainz to miss Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
Ferrari has been dealt a blow ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as they confirm that Carlos Sainz will be unable to continue due to health reasons. The Spanish driver, who had shown promising pace during the initial practice sessions, began feeling unwell on Wednesday, prompting him to miss media engagements to rest.
Credit: XPBimages
Sainz's condition took a turn for the worse overnight, leading to a diagnosis of appendicitis. Ferrari released a statement announcing the unfortunate news and confirming that Sainz would undergo surgery, effectively ruling him out for the remainder of the weekend.
In Sainz's absence, Ferrari has turned to reserve driver Oliver Bearman to fill the vacant seat for the Saudi Arabian GP. Bearman, a talented young racer with experience in Formula 2 and some exposure to Formula 1, will step up to the challenge, albeit under unexpected circumstances.
The Englishman's journey mirrors that of other reserve drivers who have been called upon in emergencies, such as Nyck de Vries and Liam Lawson in recent seasons. Despite facing challenges in the early stages of the 2024 F2 campaign, Bearman's opportunity to showcase his skills at the highest level is a testament to his potential.
Bearman's familiarity with the Ferrari team, coupled with his prior F1 experience, should ease the transition as he takes over Sainz's car for the remainder of the event. Per FIA regulations, Bearman will utilize Sainz's allocated power unit, gearbox, and other components, maintaining continuity for the team.
Event stewards have granted permission for Bearman to compete, provided he meets scrutineering requirements and adheres to regulations regarding equipment usage. As he steps into the spotlight, Bearman will aim to make the most of this unexpected opportunity while wishing Sainz a swift recovery.
For Ferrari, the focus now shifts to supporting Sainz in his recovery journey while maximizing Bearman's potential on track. The unexpected turn of events adds another layer of intrigue to an already thrilling weekend of racing in Saudi Arabia.