Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz is set to undergo surgery for appendicitis and will be replaced by British teenager Oliver Bearman for this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Sainz missed his media duties on Wednesday through illness before participating in both of Thursday’s practice sessions in Jeddah, but Ferrari announced ahead of Friday’s final practice and qualifying that the Spaniard will require surgery.
Bearman, 18, who has been part of the Ferrari Driver Academy since 2021, had claimed pole position in Formula 2 qualifying on Thursday.
“Carlos Sainz has been diagnosed with appendicitis and will require surgery,” a Ferrari statement said.
“As from FP3 and for the rest of this weekend, he will be replaced by reserve driver Oliver Bearman. Oliver will therefore take no further part in this round of the F2 Championship.
“The Ferrari family wishes Carlos a speedy recovery.”
More to follow…
Sky Sports F1’s live Saudi Arabian GP schedule
Friday March 8
- 1.10pm: Saudi Arabian GP Practice Three (session starts at 1.30pm)
- 3.05pm: F2 Sprint Race
- 4.10pm: Saudi Arabian GP Qualifying build-up
- 5pm: SAUDI ARABIAN GP QUALIFYING
Saturday March 9
- 12pm: F1 Academy Race 2
- 1.20pm: F2 Feature Race
- 3.30pm: Saudi Arabian GP build-up: Grand Prix Saturday
- 5pm: THE SAUDI ARABIAN GRAND PRIX
- 7pm: Saudi Arabian GP reaction: Chequered flag
- 9.30pm: Saudi Arabian GP highlights
Watch the second round of the new F1 season – the Saudi Arabian GP – live on Sky Sports F1 this coming week, with qualifying on Friday and the race at 5pm on Saturday. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership for just £21 a month for 12 months
Anthony Joshua’s heavyweight showdown with Francis Ngannou takes place on Friday March 8, live on Sky Sports Box Office with the main event expected around 11pm. Book Joshua v Ngannou now!
Get Sky Sports on WhatsApp!
You can now start receiving messages and alerts for the latest breaking sports news, analysis, in-depth features and videos from our dedicated WhatsApp channel!
#Carlos #Sainz #Ferrari #driver #set #undergo #surgery #appendicitis #replaced #Oliver #Bearman #Saudi #Arabian
