Sainz will be in the middle of his recovery from appendix surgery for two weeks when F1 begins its FP1 session in Melbourne next Friday. He was unable to participate in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix last Saturday due to appendicitis and underwent surgery after bravely completing 42 laps in FP1 and FP2, despite feeling unwell.
As a result, Ferrari’s reserve in F1, Bearman, was withdrawn from the Formula 2 race he was scheduled to compete in (where he qualified on pole for Formula 1!) and took on the role of Ferrari driver. The 18-year-old British driver had little time to prepare for his F1 debut, with only FP3 and Qualifying remaining.
Bearman’s debut turned out to be extremely impressive, as he performed admirably throughout the race and was named Driver of the Day. He finished in a commendable seventh place in his first Grand Prix, managing to fend off potential challenges from British compatriots Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton, who finished behind him.
Now, there is a growing demand for more of Bearman, and the young driver himself is eager for more opportunities with Ferrari in F1. The question is: how long will he have to wait? Although there have been rumors linking him to Haas for next year, it is not out of the question for him to participate in another race next weekend in Australia.
Sainz took to Twitter from his hospital bed to provide an update on his condition: “I underwent successful surgery today and I am feeling much better! Thank you to everyone who sent kind messages and to all the medical team at King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital in Saudi Arabia for the care.”
Surprisingly, Sainz was discharged from the hospital quickly and even made an appearance on the track on Sunday, which impressed Ferrari’s F1 boss, Fred Vasseur. However, there is a concern that sending the Spaniard back to competition too soon could pose a risk.
According to the UK’s NHS, the typical recovery time for appendix surgery is a few weeks, although more intense activities should be avoided for 4 to 6 weeks. Sainz will likely undergo an intensive recovery program, similar to what top athletes go through when they suffer injuries and need to rehabilitate quickly to return to their respective sports or teams. Spain is known for its excellence in sports medicine and treatment of injured athletes.
Ultimately, Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur will make the final decision on Sainz’s participation at Albert Park. He stated: “Our main focus now is on Sainz’s future, and it is crucial that he recovers properly.”
“He is coming back and will have a full week of rest. So when he travels to Melbourne, we will make the decision. However, I am quite optimistic. I don’t want to rush anything, but he is an adult and will make the right choice,” Vasseur said.
How smart is it for Sainz to return in two weeks? By avoiding “demanding activities for 4 to 6 weeks,” this implies that his next race should be in Japan, skipping the third stage of the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship.
However, this is the last thing Sainz wants, as he is in his final season with Ferrari. With no seat for 2025, as the Italian team has secured Lewis Hamilton to replace him alongside Charles Leclerc from next year. Three into two doesn’t work, so Sainz is in the midst of an unprecedented Silly Season.
In this season, Sainz needs maximum exposure to deliver performances that will take him to the podium, as he did in the opening in Bahrain. This set the stage for what should be an impressive season, but for now, he will be unemployed from the moment he leaves his Ferrari in Abu Dhabi on December 8, for the last time.
Certainly, Sainz will be hired by a team sooner or later, for his own peace of mind. His name has been consistently linked to Audi since his entry was announced.
Carlos Sainz Senior, winner of the 2024 Dakar by the German manufacturer, along with team boss Andreas Seidl, are certainly attractive prospects for the 29-year-old Spaniard.
According to reports, Sainz has had discussions with Mercedes about a direct swap for Hamilton, who is heading to Ferrari. However, the driver market and the Silly Season are currently in a state of uncertainty, as the future of Max Verstappen at Red Bull is being questioned amid the “sexual messages” scandal involving Christian Horner that tarnished the world champions.
Other rumors include: Sainz to Red Bull? Sainz to Aston Martin? Whatever the case, for now, he will focus on being in the car throughout the weekend in Melbourne and, of course, aiming for a place on the podium. Do not discount this because ‘The Smooth Operator’ is one of the most dedicated workers on the grid, with true determination to match.
However, having Bearman in the car for the second time is a great alternative for the Tifosi, as they have just discovered a gem among them, and seeing him again will not disappoint. Let’s see how the Scuderia deals with this situation.
SAINZ 2️⃣ – 0️⃣ APPENDICITIS
Thank you all for the messages in the last 24 hours. I truly feel your support. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/y88CYxI7n6
– Carlos Sainz (@Carlossainz55) March 9, 2024
© 2024
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