Anthony Davidson ‘surprised’ by what Carlos Sainz has done in Saudi Arabia

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Sky Sports F1 pundit Anthony Davidson says he’s ‘surprised’ that Carlos Sainz competed in practice for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Ferrari driver Sainz has been suffering with illness ahead of the second race of the season in Jeddah.

And Davidson has been commenting on the health of the Spaniard during commentary on Friday.

Sainz skipped his media-day duties on Wednesday because he was feeling unwell.

Ferrari junior driver Oliver Bearman has been on standby in case he’s unable to take part in any of the action.

Bearman, 18, has qualified on pole position for Prema Racing in just his second weekend in Formula 2.

Sainz finished sixth-fastest during the opening practice session, half a second adrift of pacesetter Max Verstappen.

Anthony Davidson surprised that Carlos Sainz didn’t sit out practice

Davidson says he’s noticed that Sainz didn’t appear to be in a good condition as he prepared to get into the cockpit.

It shocked him that the 29-year-old didn’t elect to sit out the non-competitive running in Saudi Arabia.

He said (17:09): “I am surprised that he’s here if he’s feeling as ill as he is, as ill he looked as well when we saw him walking through the garage towards the car.”

Sainz will still hope to build on strong start

Sainz was one of the stars of the opening weekend of the season in Bahrain and will hope his illness doesn’t halt his early momentum.

After qualifying in fourth place, he passed teammate Charles Leclerc, who was struggling with braking issues, and the Mercedes of George Russell to finish on the podium.

He’ll be determined to put himself in the shop window in what he already knows will be his final season with Ferrari.

It’s already been confirmed that Lewis Hamilton will be replacing him at Maranello for the 2025 campaign.

Sainz is already thought to be a contender to join Aston Martin, though they finished in the lower reaches of the points in Bahrain.