A challenging start to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix weekend for Carlos Sainz, who was affected by the flu even during Free Practice. Oliver Bearman was already prepared to replace him.
It hasn’t been a straightforward beginning to the weekend in Saudi Arabia for Carlos Sainz. The Spanish driver, affected by the flu, arrived late at the circuit and is not at 100%.
A week after the start of the championship amidst the desert dunes in Bahrain, Formula 1 moves to the shores of the Red Sea. The second race of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix takes place in Jeddah and has not started in the easiest way for the flu-affected Carlos Sainz.
The Spanish driver of the Prancing Horse has been knocked down by some gastrointestinal issues and a slight fever in the days between the two Grand Prix events. Carlos Sainz had to wave the white flag on Wednesday, a day dedicated to media, interviews, and driver press conferences.
Returning to the hotel to rest on Wednesday, the Spanish driver partially recovered in time for Free Practice 1 but still had lingering effects of the illness from the previous days. Despite the physical setbacks, Carlos Sainz was determined to get into the car for the first free practice session in Jeddah.
Arriving just before the FP1 of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, the Ferrari’s #55 was in doubt until the last moment. Ferrari had, in fact, put Oliver Bearman on standby for the free practice sessions. Oliver Bearman, a talented 18-year-old driver from the Ferrari Driver Academy, is currently competing in Formula 2 with Prema.
Despite being physically compromised, Carlos Sainz secured the sixth position in the FP1 of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, having carried out a reduced program for the session.
Source: f1ingenerale
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