Ferrari replaces Carlos Sainz with Oliver Bearman for the Saudi Arabian GP over medical emergency

Carlos Sainz will miss out on the Saudi Arabian GP due to a condition after a podium finish at the season opener in Bahrain.

Ferrari replaces Carlos Sainz with Oliver Bearman for the Saudi Arabian GP over medical emergency

Carlos Sainz (L) and Oliver Bearman (R) (images via IMAGO).

The 2024 season was well underway for the Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc. The duo scored a three-four finish at the season opener Bahrain GP. Additionally, the team was looking hopeful of great results during the Saudi Arabian GP. However, Carlos Sainz has been diagnosed with a serious condition and will miss out on the Saudi Arabian GP.

Carlos Sainz had an amazing start to the season after scoring a podium finish at the Bahrain GP. However, the Spaniard’s podium wasn’t celebrated with great enthusiasm by the Ferrari crew. Additionally, Leclerc faced multiple issues with Braking during the race. Regardless, the two drivers scored great results alongside a great battle for the third spot in the pecking order.

YouTube video

Following the initial race weekend, the team performed decent in the two practice sessions in Saudi Arabia. However, it was recently revealed that Carlos Sainz has been diagnosed with Appendicitis and will miss out on the race. Amidst this, the current F2 driver for Prema Racing, Oliver Bearman would fill in the seat for the 29-year-old. Notably, Bearman is also a part of the Mercedes junior team alongside Fredrik Vesti.

FS Video

Sainz would need to undergo surgery to fix the condition as he will take some time to recover. Notably, Bearman will make his debut in Formula 1 after racing in the F2 category. Hence, the team prepares to race alongside the debutant in F1 and score great results in the Spaniard’s absence.

Carlos Sainz will conclude his final year at Ferrari in 2024

The 29-year-old was caught off-guard following Lewis Hamilton‘s unprecedented move to Ferrari. As a result, Sainz is currently seatless in Formula 1 without any assurance of a team for the following year. The driver opened up about his feelings regarding the 2024 season. Hence, Sainz will conclude his final year at Ferrari in 2024 after racing with the Italian Constructor for four years of racing together.

Ferrari's Carlos Sainz
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz (via Imago)

The Spaniard also talked about a ‘timeline’ for confirming his job position within Formula 1, which will be revealed shortly. Additionally, Sainz needs to perform well during the 2024 season and potentially outshine Charles Leclerc. This is imperative for the 29-year-old to manage a seat in a team in Formula 1 from the subsequent season. However, following such issues, the driver’s future at the pinnacle of motorsport might be in grave danger.

Regardless, Sainz would likely recover promptly from the surgery and return to racing for the following Australian GP. Currently, Ferrari prepares for the race alongside the two drivers in Formula 1 and Sainz’s absence. The Saudi Arabian GP will showcase what learnings the team took from the season opener. Additionally, Leclerc will push himself to finally score a victory in Formula 1 after a disappointing 2023 season.

In case you missed it: