Decision About Sainz's Participation In Australian Grand Prix Yet To Be Made

Tuesday, 12 March 2024 at 00:15

Updated at Tuesday, 12 March 2024 at 13:30

Ferrari's team principal, Fred Vasseur, recently discussed when he expects to see Carlos Sainz behind the wheel of an F1 car again.

Scuderia Ferrari F1 driver Carlos Sainz was replaced by an 18-year-old rookie, Oliver Bearman, for the third practice session, qualifying, and the race during the second Grand Prix of the season.

The 29-year-old felt ill already on Wednesday, so he canceled his attendance at the media day at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit to prioritize his recovery.

Apparently, he didn't feel much better on Thursday but still pushed through two qualifying sessions. But then, on Friday, he went to see a doctor ahead of FP3 and was diagnosed with appendicitis.

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The Spaniard needed to undergo an urgent surgery, and he did. He even made it to the circuit for the race day, but it was clear that he wasn't in the shape to drive an F1 car.

His team principal, Fred Vasseur, talked to the media after the race and was asked when we could expect to see Sainz back in the car. He responded:

"This I don't know, honestly. The recovery so far is amazing, the fact he was able to come today to be with the team is a very good sign, and a very good support for us."

Fortunately for the 29-year-old, there is a one-week break between the second and third races of the season, which gives him some time for recovery.

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SAINZ 2️⃣ - 0️⃣ APPENDICITIS Thanks everyone for your messages these past 24h. I really feel your support.❤️

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Alex Albon left the 2022 Italian Grand Prix due to appendicitis and attended the following race. However, he had one more week to recover compared to Sainz. Vasseur couldn't promise anything, but he suggested that he is optimistic.

"Now, he will fly back with me tomorrow [Sunday] and he will have one week of complete rest, and we will take a decision on when he has to fly to Melbourne in one week's time. But I'm quite optimistic."