Carlos Sainz will be forced miss the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. In fact, the Ferrari driver was diagnosed attack of appendicitis and will have to undergo surgery. Already on Wednesday, the Spaniard was unable to attend the press day because he was not feeling well. Sainz still managed to regain his form during FP1 and FP2, although he looked visibly tired.
Carlos Sainz has been diagnosed with appendicitis and will require surgery.
From the third FP until the end of this weekend he will be replaced by reserve rider Oliver Birman. Oliver will therefore no longer take part in this round of the F2 Championship.
Ferrari family… pic.twitter.com/zePBeZlJED
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) March 8, 2024
The deterioration of his condition then led to the decision to raise the white flag. It was initially thought to be a simple ailment, but we now know that the Ferrari driver’s physical problem was more serious. Thus, from the third free practice until the end of the weekend, his place will be taken by Oliver Birman, reserve driver of the Scuderia. Consequently, Oliver will not compete in the remainder of the Formula 2 event.
This is the chance of a lifetime for Oliver Bearman as he gets to showcase his skills behind the wheel of the Prancing Horse single seater. Born in 2005 he is a driver for the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy and today competes in Formula 2 with the Prema team. His career began at just 8 years old with his first karting races, a category in which he achieved good results at European and international level over the years.
Welcoming the 776th @F1 driver to the network, @OllyBearman! 👊
Ollie becomes the 97th driver to compete in Formula 1 for @Ferrariusing the number 38#Saudi ArabianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/VmubDGNDbf
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) March 8, 2024
In 2020 he moved up to Formula 4, taking victories in the Italian and German F4 championships in 2021. Soon after, he joined the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy, where he is today a reserve driver alongside Antonio Giovinazzi and Robert Schwartzman. The choice automatically fell on him since he was already on the Jeddah circuit, given the coincidence with the Formula 2 stage.
Source: HD Motori
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