Carlos Sainz To 'Require Surgery' And Miss Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Friday, 08 March 2024 at 12:25

Carlos Sainz had a sensational start to the 2024 F1 season, but he will be forced to miss the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix because of a required surgery.

The Spanish driver was the better of the two Ferrari drivers in Bahrain, achieving his first podium of the season. With the paddock moving to the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, Sainz had ambitions to fight for the podium again.

However, already ahead of the first Free Practice session, it was reported that the 29-year-old physically struggled, even though it was not clear what exactly were his struggles.

There were even rumors that the Spaniard may miss the Free Practice sessions, but he completed both on Thursday and after the first day in Saudi Arabia, he admitted that it was very difficult.

However, it appears that it was even more challenging for Sainz than it initially seemed, as ahead of the third Free Practice session on Friday, and the qualifying, it was announced by Ferrari that he would miss the rest of the Grand Prix weekend.

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"Carlos Sainz has been diagnosed with appendicitis and will require surgery. 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."

As a result, Sainz will be replaced by F2 driver, Oliver Bearman, who got the pole position in F2 at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, but will now instead make his Formula One debut.

As reported by Ferrari, the Spanish driver will also undergo a surgery, so the upcoming race, which is the Australian Grand Prix, held between March 22nd and 24th, may also be in danger for Sainz, depending on how long he takes to recover.