Ferrari expect Carlos Sainz to race in this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne just 12 days after having his appendix removed, subject to passing an FIA medical assesment.
The Spaniard was diagnosed with appendicitis before the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and replaced by 18-year-old Ferrari reserve driver Oliver Bearman.
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However, Ferrari expect Sainz to be fit to return, and he was been spotted in the paddock at Melbourne’s Albert Park riding his bike around the track.
Sainz is not the first driver to return quickly after having appendicitis. In 2022, Williams driver Alex Albon returned less than a month after being admitted to intensive care following surgery to remove his appendix.
Meanwhile, Bearman, who impressed in his Formula One debut in Jeddah, starting in 11th and finishing seventh, he will be back racing in Formula Two this weekend.
He was the first driver to make their F1 debut with Ferrari since Arturo Merzario made his with the Italian team at the 1972 British Grand Prix.
