Arriving in Jeddah for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz and the Ferrari team found themselves faced with an unexpected challenge. After only competing in the first two free practice sessions, Sainz had to miss the entire weekend due to appendicitis which required emergency surgery. The news caught both the team and the Spanish driver by surprise, abruptly interrupting his preparation for the event. In his place, Oliver Bearman, the team's third driver, made his debut, present in the paddock mainly to take part in the second race weekend in F2. The English driver, suddenly catapulted into the top category, expertly brought home precious points for Ferrari to fight in the constructors' championship while awaiting the return of Sainz who had to concentrate on his physical recovery for Melbourne.
Oliver Bearman's Extraordinary Debut
Sainz's absence opened the door to the extraordinary debut of Oliver Bearman, young driver of the Ferrari Driver Academy. Bearman, at the age of just eighteen, was called upon to replace Sainz and face the race weekend without any previous experience in Formula 1. Despite the pressure and expectations, Bearman demonstrated surprising maturity, taking seventh place and earning the first championship points of his career in the top category. His calm and determined approach, combined with his ability to adapt, impressed not only the Ferrari team, but the entire paddock.
His exceptional performance in Jeddah confirmed his skill and talent, and also provided some more data on the SF-24, a single-seater which, despite not knowing, he managed to tame without too many problems.
Sainz's recovery and the doubt for Melbourne
For Melbourne, Ferrari has confirmed that Bearman will once again be present, even if he will have to race with F2 again. Unlike Jeddah, however, Ferrari should also be able to count on Antonio Giovinazzi and Robert Shwartzman. The priority is obviously the full recovery of Carlos, who will have a week to recover and, in case, face a long journey to Australia. Therefore, this week's break will be crucial for Sainz and his recovery after the operation. The Spaniard was already present in the paddock the day after his operation to demonstrate his commitment to the team but also his determination. On the other hand, Sainz is still looking for a seat for 2025. And every Grand Prix can make a difference. Just as he may have done it for Bearman, despite having missed two F2 races and lost championship points.
The main Ferrari team also spoke about the possibility of seeing Sainz in Melbourne, Frederic Vasseur, who specified that he did not want to hasten the Spaniard's recovery time. “The most important thing is to recover well and Don't rush recovery, which has been incredible so far – says Vasseur, who continues. The fact that he was able to return to the track to be with the team is a positive sign and has given us great support. He will fly home with me and have a week of complete rest. Then we will decide whether to let him come to Melbourne or not".
The two weeks that separate us from the next Grand Prix in Australia should be sufficient time for Sainz's full physical recovery, thus allowing him to return to the wheel of the SF-24 in Melbourne.
Source statements: FormulaPassion
