Carlos Sainz ruled out of Saudi Arabian Grand Prix as he needs emergency surgery

Carlos Sainz has been ruled out of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after being forced to undergo surgery for appendicitis.

The Ferrari star - who will be replaced by Lewis Hamilton in 2025 - will hand over the reins to British rookie driver Oliver Bearman in Jeddah.

Sainz missed Wednesday's media day through illness but battled back to get behind the wheel for two practice sessions on Thursday.

Having finished seventh overall in FP2, Sainz admitted the first day of running was very difficult due to his ongoing sickness.

Sainz said: "Obviously a very difficult day after feeling sick the last 24 hours have been tough and difficult for me.

"Today was all about trying to get myself on track and learn as much as possible from the car without really pushing too much the limits as I was still a bit on the non-ideal side, but we managed to complete the programme without issues.”

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Sainz has since lost his battle to be fit for the rest of the Saudi GP, with Brit driver Bearman taking over for FP3 and qualifying on Friday - as well as Saturday's race.

In a statement released on X, formerly known as Twitter, Ferrari said: "Carlos Sainz has been diagnosed with appendicitis and will require surgery.

"As from FP3 and for the rest of this weekend, he will be replaced by reserve driver Oliver Bearman. Oliver will therefore take no further part in this round of the F2 Championship.

"The Ferrari family wishes Carlos a speedy recovery."

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