Who is Oliver Bearman, Sainz’s replacement for the Saudi Arabian GP?

British teenager Oliver Bearman is to replace Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz Jr at this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, after it was confirmed that the Spaniard is to undergo an urgent operation.

Sainz is to go under the knife after being diagnosed with appendicitis, Ferrari said in a statement on Friday.

The 29-year-old has been feeling unwell this week, and described Thursday’s practice session at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit as “my toughest day in a Formula 1 car”.

Who is Oliver Bearman?

A reserve driver for both Ferrari and fellow F1 team Haas, Bearman has been comPeting for Prema Racing in the F2 World Championship since 2023.

The Essex-born 18-year-old finished sixth in his debut F2 season, earning four race wins and six podiums.

Bearman had claimed pole in this weekend’s F2 feature race in Jeddah, but will now take no further part in the second-tier championship’s Saudi round.

Sainz ruled out after podium finish

Ferrari head into the second weekend of the 2024 F1 season sitting second in the World Constructors’ Championship standings, after picking up 27 points at the Bahrain Grand Prix earlier this month.

Sainz finished third at the Bahrain International Circuit, one place ahead of team-mate Charles Leclerc.

Sainz to leave Ferrari after 2024

A Ferrari driver since 2022, Sainz is in his final season with the Italian team, having confirmed at the start of February that he is to leave the Scuderia at the end of 2024.

The 29-year-old’s announcement came in the wake of the news that Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time F1 world champion, is to join Ferrari in the 2025 season.