Carlos Sainz has faced a challenging start to the 2024 season, encountering consecutive setbacks before the season even began. From receiving the unfortunate news of his replacement to battling appendicitis, the Spanish driver has endured a series of obstacles.
Despite this, Ferrari’s team principal, Frederic Vasseur, has expressed caution, emphasizing the importance of not rushing Sainz back into Formula 1 competition following his surgery, as he still needs time to fully recover.
Fred Vasseur talks on Carlos Sainz health condition
Carlos Sainz had been recently diagnosed with appendicitis and immediately required surgery, which restricted him from attending the qualifying sessions at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. After Olive Bearman took his place at the race, the 29-year-old said that his surgery was successful on social media.
🚨NEWS🚨
— Zecteur F1 (@Zecteur_F1) March 8, 2024
Fred Vasseur annonce que si Oliver Bearman 🇬🇧 fait un très bon résultat ce week-end avec la @ScuderiaFerrari. Il pourrait remplacer Carlos Sainz 🇪🇸 tout le reste de la saison !
Le Team Principal déclare : “On mettra Carlos en cuisine pour la paella ou les tapas”#F1 pic.twitter.com/KVBsWTSzbT
Despite the Ferrari driver openly stating that he feels significantly improved, Fred Vasseur has considered not rushing him until Sainz’s health fully recovers. Formula One is a sport that requires extreme physical fitness to endure the hardships and intensity of the car while driving.
While speaking to the media, the team boss stated, “This morning [Saturday], I visited him, and he was completely okay. Okay, he has the pain, and he is struggling to work, but it’s a huge recovery. Now we have to be focused on Melbourne. He needs to have a good rest this week, and we’ll see next week.”
Taking all of these factors into consideration, the team principal has opted to suspend Sainz’s participation and proceed with Bearman until he recovers.
Ollie Bearman to race in the Australian GP?
During the absence of Sainz, Ollie Bearman had an extraordinary performance at the Saudi Arabian GP, displaying intense competitiveness while driving. Surpassing many drivers, the British secured the seventh position, garnering praise from several Formula 1 individuals.
Ollie Bearman take bow, great debut. Mature solid performance after being sent right into the deep end around a very tough track 👏
— Max Fewtrell (@Max_Fewtrell) March 9, 2024
When questioned about his desire to compete in Melbourne again, Bearman remarked, “It was a great race. I loved every moment, but the weekend was too short. It was over too quickly, so now I’m back down to earth, back down to reality, but no, I think I did a good job out there.”
“Carlos is looking well, so I’m glad he’s having a good recovery. At the end, it’s not my decision to make. If he feels good, and I hope he does, then he’ll be in the car in Melbourne.”
Demonstrating significant enthusiasm to race once more, if given the opportunity, Bearman’s attitude has sparked speculation among spectators’ regarding Ferrari’s decision to keep him until Melbourne, considering Sainz’s significant recovery.
Do you think Ollie will be driving in Melbourne once again? Tell us about your opinions in the comment section below.
