FERRARI fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Carlos Sainz is poised to make his comeback at the Australian Grand Prix following a successful recovery from appendix surgery.
The Spanish driver, who underwent surgery on March 8 after being diagnosed with appendicitis just a day before the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, is expected to take his seat at Melbourne’s Albert Park circuit.
Sainz’s return means that British sensation Oliver Bearman, who filled in admirably for Ferrari in Jeddah, will return to his Formula 2 campaign instead of stepping in for Sainz once more.
Bearman, who impressed with a seventh-place finish on debut, will resume his F2 journey, leaving the spotlight on Sainz for Ferrari’s Australian outing.
Ferrari’s official Australian GP media schedule has confirmed Sainz’s inclusion, with team representatives assuring Sky Sports that the plan is for him to take to the track.
This news comes as a relief for Ferrari, as Sainz had showcased his prowess by clinching a podium finish at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.
Despite the dominance of Red Bull in the 2023 season with Max Verstappen leading Sergio Perez to consecutive one-twos, Ferrari has emerged as a formidable contender with the second strongest car on the grid.
Sainz’s teammate, Charles Leclerc, secured another podium for the team in Saudi Arabia, while Bearman’s stellar performance in Jeddah highlighted the promising potential of both driver and car.
Bearman, who credited Sainz for his support during his debut, now faces uncertainty regarding his future in Formula 1.
However, his mature showing has undoubtedly put him in contention for a permanent seat in 2025.
With more than half of the grid’s contracts expiring at the end of the current season, the young Brit remains hopeful of securing a spot in the pinnacle of motorsport.
While Bearman’s future remains uncertain, Haas appears to be the most likely landing spot for the talented youngster in 2025.
Having already completed practice sessions with the American-owned team last season, Bearman is set to feature more prominently this year, building a rapport and gaining crucial experience behind the wheel.
As the F1 season progresses, all eyes will be on Sainz’s return at the Australian Grand Prix and Bearman’s continued development both on and off the track, as the dynamic landscape of Formula 1 continues to evolve.
For more stories written by me, click on this link