Why is Carlos Sainz not racing at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix?

Advertisement

Carlos Sainz, the Spanish driver known for his prowess on the Formula 1 circuit, was notably absent from the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix held in Jeddah from March 8th to 10th. Despite participating in the practice session on March 7th, Sainz faced considerable challenges during subsequent sessions due to feeling unwell in the lead-up to the race weekend at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

Struggling with his health, the 29-year-old driver, who secured a respectable seventh position in the Drivers’ Championship in the preceding year, found himself unable to continue for qualifying and the grand prix. In his place, Ferrari swiftly enlisted the services of Ollie Bearman, a talented teenage reserve driver originally slated for the Formula 2 event coinciding with the same weekend.

Ferrari officially confirmed Sainz’s absence on March 8th, extending their well wishes for his swift recovery. However, the team refrained from providing specifics regarding his potential availability for the upcoming Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, scheduled just two weeks later.

The development regarding Sainz’s health and the introduction of Bearman garnered significant attention from racing enthusiasts and pundits alike. Media outlets, including The Sporting News, delved into the latest updates on Sainz’s condition and shed light on Bearman’s burgeoning career in motorsports. Bearman, a rising star from Essex, England, had already been making waves in the lower tiers of racing before his sudden promotion to the Formula 1 stage.

Ferrari’s announcement on March 8th revealed that Sainz’s absence was due to a diagnosis of appendicitis, necessitating immediate medical attention. Expressing concern for their driver’s well-being, Ferrari conveyed the decision to entrust Bearman with the responsibility of substituting for Sainz for the remainder of the race weekend.

Meanwhile, Bearman’s journey to the forefront of Formula 1 was highlighted, showcasing his impressive trajectory from karting at the age of eight to securing victories in prestigious racing series such as the ADAC Formula 4. His recent achievements in Formula 3 and commendable performance during his debut season in Formula 2 underscored his potential as a future force in the sport.

As fans eagerly awaited updates on Sainz’s recovery and Bearman’s performance on the track, the focus shifted to the logistics of watching the 2024 Formula 1 season across different regions. Broadcasting details for audiences in the USA, Canada, UK, and Australia were provided, ensuring fans wouldn’t miss a moment of the exhilarating action on the racetrack.

 

How to watch the 2024 F1 season in the USA

  • TV channel: ABC / ESPN
  • Live stream: Fubo / ESPN+ / Hulu / Sling TV / YouTube TV

 

How to watch the 2024 F1 season in Canada

  • TV channel: TSN (English); RDS / Noovo (French)
  • Live stream: TSN Direct

 

How to watch the 2024 F1 season in the UK

  • TV channel: Sky Sports F1
  • Live stream: NOW TV / Sky Go app

 

How to watch the 2024 F1 season in Australia

  • TV channel: Fox Sports / Channel 10
  • Live stream: Kayo Sports / Foxtel Go