Oliver Bearman to replace Carlos Sainz in F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Oliver Bearman will race for Ferrari in the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after Carlos Sainz was diagnosed with appendicitis.

Oliver Bearman will replace Carlos Sainz for the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. (RACEWEEK Composite; Qian Jun/MB Media/Getty Images, Joe Portlock/Formula 1/Getty Images)

The Italian Formula 1 team announced the change in a short statement on Friday.

“Carlos Sainz has been diagnosed with appendicitis and will require surgery,” said a team spokesperson.

“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 wishes Carlos a speedy recovery.”

Oliver Bearman’s name on the Ferrari F1 car in the garage at Jeddah Corniche Circuit. (Clive Rose/Getty Images)

Sainz had reported feeling ill during the F1 race weekend, missing the media day on Wednesday to recover.

His condition worsened after free practice on Thursday, with confirmation from the team that he will require surgery.

Bearman had qualified on pole for the FIA Formula 2 round in Jeddah with PREMA Racing but will withdraw from the round.

The 18-year-old Brit has previously completed FP1 sessions with the Haas F1 team and is also their reserve driver.

More to come…