Carlos Sainz will not be participating in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix due to a medical condition. Sainz, who achieved a podium finish at the season opener in Bahrain, will unfortunately be unable to compete in the upcoming race. The Ferrari team had high hopes for the event, especially after their strong performance in Bahrain where they secured a three-four finish. However, Sainz’s diagnosis has forced him to withdraw from the race.
Sainz’s podium finish in Bahrain was not met with the same level of excitement by the Ferrari crew. Additionally, his teammate, Charles Leclerc, encountered some braking issues during the race. Despite these challenges, both drivers delivered impressive results and engaged in a fierce battle for third place.
In the lead-up to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the team performed well in the practice sessions. However, it was recently revealed that Sainz has been diagnosed with appendicitis, which will prevent him from participating in the race. As a result, Oliver Bearman, a current F2 driver for Prema Racing and a member of the Mercedes junior team, will step in to fill Sainz’s seat.
Sainz will need to undergo surgery to address his condition and will require some time to recover. In the meantime, Bearman will make his Formula 1 debut, racing alongside Leclerc. The team is determined to achieve strong results despite Sainz’s absence.
Sainz found himself in a precarious position following a surprising move to Ferrari. Currently, he does not have a confirmed team for the following year, leaving his future in Formula 1 uncertain. Sainz expressed his thoughts on the 2024 season, which will mark his final year with Ferrari after four years of racing together. He also mentioned that a decision regarding his future in Formula 1 will be announced soon.
It is crucial for Sainz to perform well during the 2024 season and potentially outshine Leclerc in order to secure a seat with a Formula 1 team for the next season. However, his recent challenges may put his career in the sport at risk.
Despite the setbacks, Sainz is expected to recover quickly from his surgery and return to racing for the Australian Grand Prix. Ferrari is currently preparing for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix with their two drivers, focusing on applying the lessons learned from the season opener. Leclerc, in particular, is determined to achieve a victory in Formula 1 after a disappointing 2023 season.