Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz will miss this weekend’s Formula 1 Saudi Arabia Grand Prix after being diagnosed with appendicitis, requiring surgery.
The Spaniard, who finished third in last weekend’s season opener in Bahrain, will be replaced by Ferrari reserve driver Oliver Bearman.
Bearman was set to start Saturday morning’s (AEDT) Formula 2 race from pole position, but will replace Sainz for the rest of the F1 weekend.
Ferrari made the announcement ahead of free practice 3 on Friday, AEDT.
“Carlos Sainz has been diagnosed with appendicitis and will require surgery,” the team 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.”
Sainz had completed the first two practice sessions the previous day, before the diagnosis.
Sainz is competing in his final season for Ferrari, before making way for Lewis Hamilton in 2025.
He made a great start to season 2024, beating teammate Charles Leclerc and claiming third at last weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix.
Bearman is a British driver who began competing in F2 last season.
The 18-year-old has four wins in F2 and finished sixth in last year’s championship.