Carlos Sainz expected to race in Australian Grand Prix, Ollie Bearman on standby

Carlos Sainz expected to race in Australian Grand Prix, Ollie Bearman on standby

Two weeks after appendicitis in Saudi Arabia, Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz is expected to race in the Australian Grand Prix.

Carlos Sainz at the 2023 Australian Grand Prix. (Scuderia Ferrari/Supplied)

Formula 2 driver and Ferrari F1 reserve Oliver Bearman filled in for Sainz in Jeddah and remains on standby in Australia, but the team says the Spaniard should be fit to race at Albert Park.

“Carlos Sainz is expected to be back in the car, having had to miss Jeddah with appendicitis,” said a team spokesperson.

“He and team-mate Charles Leclerc will most likely be fighting at the front of the field, as they have done in the first two rounds.”

Bearman finished seventh as he impressed on his Formula 1 debut, returning to the F2 field as they also take on the streets of Melbourne.

The first test of Sainz’s condition will be on Friday with Free Practice at 12.30pm (AEDT).

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