- F1 team Scuderia Ferrari faces a setback this weekend as their Spanish driver, Carlos Sainz misses the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
- 18-year-old Briton Oliver Bearman, will step in for Sainz this weekend in Jeddah as he recovers from surgery
- His surprise F1 debut for Ferrari at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is giving him a chance to make a mark on the biggest stage
F1 team Scuderia Ferrari faces a setback this weekend as their Spanish driver, Carlos Sainz misses Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah due to appendicitis.
The team announced the news on Friday, hours before practice sessions started. Sainz, who finished a strong third place at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix just last weekend, will undergo surgery and is expected to make a full recovery.
This sudden turn of events leaves Ferrari scrambling for a replacement driver. Ferrari has confirmed their reserve driver, 18-year-old Briton Oliver Bearman, will step in for Sainz this weekend.
Bearman, a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2021, will make his Formula One debut in Jeddah.
Carlos Sainz Misses Saudi Arabian Grand Prix
He is currently undergoing surgery to treat the condition. Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix, a small finger-shaped organ attached to your large intestine.
It’s unclear what triggers it, but a blockage is often the culprit. Symptoms include sharp pain in the lower right abdomen, nausea, and vomiting. Left untreated, the appendix can burst, leading to a life-threatening infection.
Carlos Sainz at the Bahrain Grand Prix 2024. Photo/Asharq Al-Awsat
Antibiotics can’t reach the infected area effectively, so surgery to remove the appendix (appendectomy) is the only treatment.
Will Oliver Bearman Live Up to Carlos Sainz Performance?
Bearman is a rising British star in racing who has a hard task ahead in filling the shoes of Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz who will miss the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
The 18-year-old is part of the Ferrari Driver Academy and races Formula 2 for Prema Racing. He’s also the reserve driver for Scuderia Ferrari and Haas F1 Team.
Ferrari reserve driver Oliver Bearman. Photo/Sky News
Though unproven in F1, he impressed in lower formulas, winning championships in Italian and ADAC F4.
His surprise F1 debut for Ferrari at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is giving him a chance to make a mark on the biggest stage. Bearman believes he will deliver an impressive performance.
However, Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton has warned him that it is no walk in the park but wished him well in his first professional race in F1.
Did Carlos Sainz Race at Bahrain Grand Prix?
Sainz impressed fans and pundits alike with his performance in Bahrain. He qualified a commendable third behind the dominant Red Bulls of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.
Throughout the race, he maintained a thrilling battle with Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, ultimately holding off the seven-time world champion to secure a podium finish.
This performance reignited optimism for Ferrari, who are aiming to challenge Red Bull for the championship title this season. Sainz’s consistency and podium finish in Bahrain showcased his potential as a key contender alongside teammate Charles Leclerc.
Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc in their Ferrari Suits.|PHOTO: PlanteF1|
Sainz’s absence undoubtedly disrupts Ferrari’s strategy for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Bearman, despite his talent, lacks the experience of a seasoned driver like Sainz.
It’s uncertain how quickly he can adapt to the high-pressure environment of a Formula One race weekend, especially on a challenging track like Jeddah.
While Ferrari works to secure points with Bearman, all eyes will be on Sainz’s recovery. The severity of his appendicitis and the success of his surgery will determine his return date.
The Australian Grand Prix, scheduled for March 24th, could be a potential target for his return. Although Sainz’s absence throws a wrench into Ferrari’s early season plans, the team boasts a strong technical package and a talented driver lineup.
Charles Leclerc remains a frontrunner for the race win in Jeddah. The true test will be how quickly Sainz recovers and how effectively Ferrari can manage with a rookie driver replacing him.
Despite this setback, Ferrari’s overall championship aspirations remain intact, and Sainz’s return will be a welcome boost for their title challenge.
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