Motorsport: Ferrari Carlos Sainz Saudi Arabian F1 appendicitis UK rookie Oliver Bearman steps Newshub

UK teen Oliver Bearman replaces Carlos Sainz for Ferrari's F1 debut in Saudi Arabia, becoming the team's youngest rookie. Viral potential.

UK teenager Oliver Bearman is making his Formula 1 race debut in place of regular driver Carlos Sainz, who underwent appendix surgery at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. This makes Bearman the youngest rookie for Ferrari, stepping in as the reserve driver for both Ferrari and Haas.

Sainz, who finished third in the Bahrain season-opener and was the last driver to defeat Red Bull in Singapore, is currently recovering in the hospital after the surgery. Bearman, just 18 years old, was initially set to compete in Formula 2 but will now make history as the 97th Ferrari Formula 1 driver.

Starting 11th on the grid after an impressive qualifying session, Bearman will also become the youngest British driver to start a Formula 1 championship race, surpassing Lando Norris. He joins a prestigious list of British drivers who have raced for Ferrari, including Nigel Mansell.

Only two drivers, Max Verstappen and Lance Stroll, have debuted at a younger age than Bearman. Sainz had been feeling unwell leading up to the race but still participated in practice sessions before undergoing surgery. Lewis Hamilton is set to replace Sainz at Ferrari next season.

It is unclear when Sainz will return to racing, with the Australian Grand Prix coming up in two weeks. This situation is reminiscent of Alex Albon's appendicitis before the Italian Grand Prix in 2022, where Nyck de Vries filled in for him. Despite the setback, Verstappen once again secures pole position, with Charles Leclerc and Sergio Pérez close behind.

Share With Others