Carlos Sainz was forced to skip the Saudi Grand Prix this weekend due to appendicitis. The Spaniard was replaced by Oliver Berman and underwent surgery on Friday. Team boss Frederic Vasseur does not yet know when Sainz will be able to get behind the wheel of his Ferrari again.
Sainz left the media day on Wednesday due to illness. On Thursday he looked like he was feeling a little better, but after the second free practice he told us he wasn't feeling well yet. It became clear on Friday morning that Sainz was suffering from appendicitis and would not be able to participate in the race. He was replaced by young Oliver Biermann, who finished seventh in the race.
The general expectation is that Sainz will be able to race again in two weeks in Australia. Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur doesn't want to go that far yet. He was clear about this when asked about this by international media in Jeddah: “I would like to thank the hospital staff in Jeddah who performed the operation. On Saturday morning I visited Carlos and he was completely fine. It is a great recovery and “We have to focus on Melbourne. Carlos will have a good rest this week and we'll see if he plays in Australia, but I don't want to rush. He is mature and will make the right decision.”
