Carlos Sainz, who secured a third place in the Bahrain Grand Prix, which opened the season, and was the last driver to defeat the dominant Red Bull team with a victory in Singapore last September, withdrew from the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix due to a health issue that was diagnosed. The Spaniard was replaced by reserve driver Oliver Bearman, who delivered an exceptional performance at the Jeddah Corniche circuit. However, Ferrari confirmed that Sainz will return to the wheel at Albert Park this week. A team spokesperson stated: “Carlos has been in Melbourne for two days and is in good condition. We expect him to drive.”
Sainz will leave Ferrari at the end of the season to make way for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes, who will take his place next year. It is still uncertain where Sainz will end up in 2025, amidst the craziness of the F1 Silly Season. There have been suggestions that he could lead Audi’s entry into F1 in 2026. Furthermore, the uncertainty surrounding Red Bull opens up several possibilities for Sainz, including rumors of interest from Red Bull and Aston Martin. There is even the possibility of a direct swap to Mercedes, replacing Hamilton, who is heading to Ferrari.
British teenager Oliver Bearman delivered an extraordinary performance in his F1 debut in Jeddah, finishing in seventh place after starting from eleventh on the grid. The Australian Grand Prix, which marks the third stage of the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship, will take place at Albert Park in Melbourne. If all goes according to plan, Sainz will make his 185th start in the GP on Sunday. (Reporting by Ian Ransom)
