Carlos Sainz will no longer play for Ferrari this weekend during the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Saudi Arabia, the second round of the season. The 29-year-old Spaniard is suffering from appendicitis and is forced to undergo surgery. Ferrari announced this on Friday afternoon. He will be replaced on Friday (third practice runs and qualifying) and Saturday (Grand Prix) by British reserve driver Oliver Bearman.
Sainz had not been doing well for several days. On Wednesday he appeared at the Jeddah circuit for media duties, but he quickly returned to his hotel because he felt ill. On Thursday he took part in the first two free practice sessions, with a sixth and seventh fastest time respectively.
The Spaniard finished third in the opening race in Bahrain last Saturday. He has started his last season at Ferrari. The Madrilenian must make way for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton in 2025.
His replacement highlighted
His replacement Bearman captured pole for the Formula 2 round in Saudi Arabia on Thursday. He is barely eighteen years old, makes his debut and becomes the youngest Ferrari driver ever in Formula 1. Bearman is part of Ferrari's Young Driver Academy.