F1 News: Fred Vasseur Doubtful About Carlos Sainz's Participation In The Australian GP
Following appendicitis surgery, Carlos Sainz missed the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, prompting uncertainty about his participation in the Australian Grand Prix, according to Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur.
Key Takeaways:
- Carlos Sainz's appendicitis surgery led to his absence from the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and raised doubts about his participation in the Australian Grand Prix.
- Earlier, Sainz felt unwell and missed media duties and FP2, leading to his diagnosis.
- Oliver Bearman impressed in his debut, finishing seventh. Vasseur emphasized Sainz's need for complete recovery before considering his return.
Earlier in the week, the Spaniard felt unwell, leading him to miss media duties on Wednesday. Following FP2, he stayed away from the Jeddah Corniche Circuit, and his condition was diagnosed after that.
Reserve Driver Oliver Bearman's outstanding debut in the Grand Prix, filling in for Sainz, has earned widespread praise. Starting from 11th on the grid, he secured an impressive seventh-place finish. However, there's uncertainty regarding his role in the upcoming Australian Grand Prix from March 22-24. It's unclear whether he will continue as a reserve driver or return to racing in Formula 2.
Ferrari Press Image
Team Boss Vasseur revealed that he doesn't want to push Sainz to start racing again until he is completely fit. Speaking to the media about the Ferrari driver's return, he said:
"It was a strange situation at the beginning of the weekend.
"We were convinced it was food [poisoning], but he struggled a lot of Thursday in both sessions with fever and stomach issues, but he was convinced that it would be much better the day after.
"But he called me [on Friday morning] and said 'I will miss FP3 but I'll be there for qualifying for sure' and at 11:30am he was in the hospital.
"It was quite clear that we were not going in the right direction.
"There was no delay in [putting Bearman] in, I don't remember the timing exactly, but as soon as it was clear from the doctor that [Sainz] would be unable to drive, we took the decision to put Oliver in.
"Thanks to the hospital in Jeddah and to everybody from the organisation that did the surgery, and this morning, I visited him and he was completely okay.
"It is a huge recovery, and we have to be focused on Melbourne.
"He will have a good rest this week and we will see [if he races in Australia.]
"I don't want to rush or something like, he is an adult and will take the right decision."