Ferrari reveal F1 star will MISS Saudi Arabian GP for surgery

Ferrari have announced that Carlos Sainz will miss the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix with illness.

The Spaniard went to hospital for an appendectomy on Friday morning, and has been replaced for the rest of the weekend by rookie driver Oliver Bearman.

Sainz's absence throws a wrench into Ferrari's plans for the high-speed Jeddah Corniche Circuit heading into qualifying. The 29-year-old initially struggled with an undisclosed illness earlier in the week, missing media commitments on Wednesday.

Though he participated in the opening practice sessions on Thursday, it appears his condition worsened, necessitating a medical evaluation that revealed appendicitis.

READ MORE: F1 Practice Today: Saudi Arabia Grand Prix results - Ferrari rookie Bearman replaces Sainz

Stepping into the breach is 18-year-old Briton Oliver Bearman, who currently serves as a reserve driver for both the Ferrari and Haas F1 teams. Bearman, a rising star in Formula 2, even made his FP1 debut with Haas last season.

Interestingly, Bearman just secured pole position in Thursday's Formula 2 qualifying session in Jeddah but will now focus solely on his unexpected F1 debut.

This sudden call-up makes Bearman the third youngest racer to take the grid in Formula 1 history.

Ferrari statement

Ferrari confirmed Sainz's absence for the rest of the weekend just hours before the final practice session on Friday.

"Carlos Sainz has been diagnosed with appendicitis and will require surgery," the team said.

"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."

READ MORE: Verstappen admits Horner saga 'damaging' for Red Bull

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