Saudi Arabian Grand Prix: Carlos Sainz to be replaced by British teen Oliver Bearman
Ferrari Formula One driver Carlos Sainz, 29, will not be participating in this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix due undergoing surgery for appendicitis on Friday. The driver missed the media rounds in Jeddah on Thursday, but took part in the practice sessions before Ferrari released their statement confirming the driver’s absence from the track. Ferrari has not disclosed when he will be returning to the track.
British teenager to replace Sainz
While Sainz is off of the track recovering, he is being replaced by British reserve driver Oliver Bearman. Hailing from Chelmsford, Essex, Bearman had been part of the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2021 and started competing in Formula 2 last year, where he finished sixth last season. He recently secured pole position for the F2 race in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, however his debut for Formula One means that he will no longer be participating in the current round of the F2 Championship.
Bearman, 18, will not only be making his debut in competitive Formula One racing in Saudi Arabia, but also making history as the youngest Briton to race in Formula One, an honour previously held by Lando Norris. He is the 12th British driver for Ferrari, the most recent being Eddie Irvine in 2000.
Leclerc to step in as main driver for Ferrari
Sainz’s unexpected departure from the team will undoubtedly come as a blow to the Ferrari team, with the driver having finished in third place in Bahrain. The Ferrari team have confirmed that the surgery was successful, and that they send him their support for a full recovery. Charles Leclerc, 26, will now step into the position of Ferrari’s main driver in Saudi Arabia as fans focus turns to Bearman’s upcoming performance on the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
