Ferrari reveal F1 star will MISS Saudi Arabian GP for surgery

Carlos Sainz

Ferrari reveal F1 star will MISS Saudi Arabian GP for surgery

Ferrari faces a major shakeup on the eve of the Saudi Arabian GP as Carlos Sainz is ruled out of the race weekend due to illness

Yara Elshebiny

Friday 8 March 2024 21:00

Ferrari have announced that Carlos Sainz will miss the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix with illness.

The Spaniard went to hospital for an appendectomy on Friday morning, and has been replaced for the rest of the weekend by rookie driver Oliver Bearman.

Sainz's absence throws a wrench into Ferrari's plans for the high-speed Jeddah Corniche Circuit heading into qualifying. The 29-year-old initially struggled with an undisclosed illness earlier in the week, missing media commitments on Wednesday.

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Though he participated in the opening practice sessions on Thursday, it appears his condition worsened, necessitating a medical evaluation that revealed appendicitis.

Carlos Sainz has been ruled out of the 2024 F1 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix

Carlos Sainz will be replaced by Oliver Bearman for the rest of the weekend

Interestingly, Bearman just secured pole position in Thursday's Formula 2 qualifying session in Jeddah but will now focus solely on his unexpected F1 debut.

This sudden call-up makes Bearman the third youngest racer to take the grid in Formula 1 history.

Ferrari statement

Ferrari confirmed Sainz's absence for the rest of the weekend just hours before the final practice session on Friday.

"Carlos Sainz has been diagnosed with appendicitis and will require surgery," the team said.

"As from FP3 and for the rest of this weekend, he will be replaced by reserve driver Oliver Bearman. Oliver will therefore take no further part in this round of the F2 Championship. The Ferrari family wishes Carlos a speedy recovery."

Ferrari Carlos Sainz Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Oliver Bearman Jeddah Corniche Circuit