Oliver Bearman Set to Replace Ferrari's Carlos Sainz at Saudi Arabia GP

Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz will miss the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix due to a case of appendicitis and will be replaced by 18-year-old British reserve driver Oliver Bearman, for the race in the Middle Eastern nation over the upcoming weekend.

“Carlos Sainz has been diagnosed with appendicitis and will require surgery,” the Prancing Horse said in a statement.

“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 Italian manufacturer added.

Sainz had been suffering for several days, but took part in free practice on Friday, ahead of the second race of the season on Saturday.

Bearman, who was to take part in the F2 race on the Saudi track, will finally compete in his first Formula One Grand Prix.

F1 also shared confirmation of the same with a post on its X, formerly Twitter, handle.

“Oliver Bearman is set to make his F1 debut stepping in for Carlos Sainz. Carlos has been diagnosed with appendicitis and will require surgery. Get well soon Carlos”, the post read.

Sainz earned valuable points for Ferrari in the season-opening race at Bahrain Grand Prix as he came in third to seal a podium finish for the Italian racing giants behind a Red Bull 1-2 as Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez led the Spaniard to the chequered flag.

Three-time defending champion Verstappen started the season with a massive win as he led from pole to the flag in yet another dominating performance from the Dutchman.