Sainz to make Australian GP comeback

Carlos Sainz is expected to return to his #55 Ferrari at this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix having recovered from appendicitis.

Sainz was withdrawn from the previous race at Saudi Arabia on Friday morning due to being forced to suddenly undergo surgery after being diagnosed with appendicitis.

The Spaniard was sensationally subbed by teenage Ferrari reserve driver Ollie Bearman, who was pulled out of F2.

Despite being thrusted into the F1 spotlight, Bearman drove brilliantly to beat Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris to finish seventh.

But Ferrari has confirmed Sainz will return to the #55 SF-24 at Albert Park this weekend, with Bearman to remain on reserve duties with F2 also racing down under.

His best finish at Australia is eighth achieved back in 2017 but he came close to points last year only to find himself in 12th after the red flag madness, while he started 2024 well with a solid third in Bahrain.

“Carlos Sainz is expected to be back in the car, having had to miss Jeddah with appendicitis,” the team wrote in a pre-race statement. 

“He and team mate Charles Leclerc will most likely be fighting at the front of the field, as they have done in the first two rounds.”

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur expects Ferrari to be battling with Red Bull for the podium.

“The Albert Park track is a favourite with the drivers and one where Ferrari has always enjoyed a lot of support,” said Vasseur. 

“We expect to be front runners on this track which could produce a similar pecking order to the one seen in Jeddah.

“We intend adopting an aggressive approach with the aim of putting pressure on the team [Red Bull] that’s won the first two races.”

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