SUMMARY
- Carlos Sainz sidelined for Saudi GP due to appendicitis, Oliver Bearman steps in as replacement.
- Bearman's Formula 2 race opportunity forfeited due to F1 debut, falling behind in championship contention.
Owing to a recent appendicitis attack, Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz will remain absent from Saudi Arabia Grand Prix. On the other hand, Oliver Bearman steps in for an ailing Sainz until the next race. The Formula 2 driver will make his debut in F1 at Jeddah this weekend. However, a quirk in Formula 2 regulations prevents him from racing in his usual series.
Bearman had secured pole position for the feature race but could not go ahead due to certain rules of the sport. Sainz’s absence opens the door for 18-year-old British reserve driver Bearman to secure a spot for himself in the near future. With Lewis Hamilton’s contract with Ferrari which will commence in 2025 onwards, Mercedes is stranded and in an emergency state to sign a new driver as soon as possible.
Oliver Bearman pays the price for replacing Carlos Sainz at Jeddah
Despite Bearman’s need for points after a point-less opening in Bahrain, replacing the Spanish driver means he forfeits any opportunity for F2 points this weekend. As per Article 26.5 of FIA Formula 2 regulations, “Any driver nominated to race by a Competitor participating in the FIA Formula One World Championship will not be permitted to participate in the FIA Formula 2 Championship in the same Competition.”
Carlos Sainz has been diagnosed with appendicitis and will require surgery.
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… pic.twitter.com/zePBeZlJED
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) March 8, 2024
Consequently, the young Briton is likely to lag behind his competitors in the championship fight. Bearman has some prior experience driving Ferrari cars. He has undergone private tests and made two notable appearances with Haas during the 2023 Mexican and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix FP1 sessions. Ferrari released a statement regarding the issue which said, “…Oliver will therefore take no further part in this round of the F2 championship.”
However, the 18-year-old is all set to face the consequences. He stated, “I know I’d be ready to go, I know I have what it takes.” As for Carlos Sainz, despite the severity of his illness, secured third place for Ferrari in the Bahrain Grand Prix, following Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez.
Bearman puts up a tough fight against Max Verstappen in FP3
Oliver Bearman had a notable start for Ferrari, as a replacement, straight into the big leagues. At just 18, he becomes the third youngest to debut in Formula 1 at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Bearman embraced the challenge in final practice at Jeddah’s circuit, demonstrating composure despite the occasion.
🏁 FP3 is in the books, and Max Verstappen tops the standings!
⏱️ Oliver Bearman made it to the Top 10 after replacing Carlos Sainz. pic.twitter.com/VJVmC4UDUm
— Racing Infinity (@RacingInfinity1) March 8, 2024
The Ferrari academy driver impressed by finishing 10th in the third practice session, closely trailing behind Lewis Hamilton. Given the unexpected opportunity after Sainz’s appendicitis diagnosis, Bearman showcased his potential on a grand scale. During his 17 laps for Ferrari, a red flag was raised due to Zhou Guanyu’s crash.
Max Verstappen led the session ahead of Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez, while George Russell and Lando Norris followed. However, the British driver’s true test awaits in qualifying at the high-speed Jeddah Corniche Circuit.