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Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz to Miss Saudi Arabian Grand Prix Due to Appendicitis
Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz will be unable to compete in the upcoming Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after being diagnosed with appendicitis following practice sessions on Thursday. This unexpected development has prompted the Italian team to enlist the services of Oliver Bearman, Ferrari’s 18-year-old reserve driver, who was originally slated to race in Formula 2 during the same weekend in Saudi Arabia.
Sainz’s absence from Wednesday’s media day in Jeddah was a prelude to his medical ordeal, which saw him exercise caution during Thursday’s practices in a bid to conserve energy for the qualifying session on Friday and the main race on Saturday. Unfortunately, Ferrari confirmed the need for appendicitis-related surgery, sidelining Sainz from this crucial Formula 1 event.
Bearman, a promising young talent, was named Ferrari’s reserve driver earlier this year. Having joined Ferrari’s driver academy in 2021, he gained valuable experience by participating in F1 practice sessions with the Haas F1 team in Mexico and Abu Dhabi last season. Moreover, Bearman’s standout performance in the F2 qualifying session was eclipsed by his sudden elevation to F1 duties, necessitating his withdrawal from the remainder of the F2 weekend to focus solely on his F1 debut.
Should Bearman take to the track in Saudi Arabia, he will etch his name in the annals of Ferrari’s history as the first driver to make his Formula 1 debut with the revered Italian outfit since Arturo Merzario’s debut at the 1972 British Grand Prix. Ferrari’s official statement regarding Sainz’s health setback underscored the necessity of Bearman’s substitution and expressed well wishes for Sainz’s prompt recovery.
The unforeseen turn of events has cast a spotlight on the resilience and adaptability required in the high-stakes world of Formula 1 racing. As fans and pundits await further updates on Sainz’s recovery and Bearman’s F1 debut, the dynamics of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix promise to unfold with heightened intrigue and anticipation.
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