P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Carlos Sainz was forced to step aside for 18-year-old after contracting appendicitis.
Carlos Sainz commends Oliver Bearman for his impressive performance as a last-minute replacement in the Ferrari at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Despite Sainz’s appendicitis diagnosis before qualifying day, Bearman stepped in and delivered a strong showing, narrowly missing out on Q3. Sainz returned to the paddock after his surgery to support Bearman and his team, acknowledging the challenges of missing out on racing and training. Bearman secured a seventh-place finish in his debut, with Sainz praising his performance and crediting modern driver preparation methods. Sainz aims to assess his own fitness for the upcoming race in Melbourne, expressing confidence in his ability to compete but remaining cautious about his readiness. He plans to make a decision in consultation with the FIA based on his physical condition and progress after the surgery.
