Carlos Sainz cannot contest the Saudi Arabian GP. © APA/afp / GIUSEPPE CACACE

Ferrari has to reschedule at short notice: Sainz is out

Qualifying for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix will take place in Jeddah in a few hours. Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz will not take part.

March 08, 2024

From: dpa/sn

Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz is out of the Formula 1 race in Saudi Arabia due to appendicitis. The 29-year-old Spaniard had to undergo an operation, the Scuderia announced on Friday. Sainz will be represented by replacement driver Oliver Bearman at the final training and qualification on Friday and at the Grand Prix in Jeddah on Saturday (18 p.m.).

The 18-year-old Brit usually drives in the Formula 2 junior series for the Prema team. He has been a member of Ferrari's driver academy since 2022. Last year he gained some Formula 1 experience with Ferrari partner team Haas during training sessions in Mexico and Abu Dhabi.

Ferrari team boss Oliver Vasseur has to trust in his very young replacement driver in Jeddah. © ANSA / ALI HAIDER

Sainz complained of feeling unwell shortly after his arrival in Saudi Arabia and left the route again on Wednesday to recover in the hotel. In training on Thursday he completed both units and came seventh in the daily ranking.

Last Saturday, Sainz finished third at the season opener in Bahrain. The Madrilenian native is driving his last season for Ferrari. Next year he will have to give up his place for record world champion Lewis Hamilton, who will move from Mercedes to Scuderia. Sainz does not yet have a new employer.