Ferrari set to make late Carlos Sainz decision for Australian GP with Bearman waiting

Ferrari have set out their timeline as they wait to see whether Carlos Sainz will be able to race in the Australian Grand Prix.

Sainz missed last weekend’s race in Saudi Arabia because he was suffering with appendicitis.

And now, Motorsport.com have revealed when the Scuderia will take a decision on his availability for the next race in Melbourne.

Oliver Bearman stood in for Sainz in Jeddah, driving in final practice, qualifying and the race.

The Spaniard had initially driven in Thursday’s sessions despite feeling unwell, a move that surprised Sky Sports F1 pundit Anthony Davidson.

Bearman impressed when Sainz eventually withdrew from the weekend, finishing seventh and winning the driver of the day award.

The 18-year-old will return to Formula 2 duties with the Prema team down under if doctors pass Sainz fit to race.

Bearman had been on pole position for the F2 feature race in Saudi Arabia before receiving the call-up from Ferrari.

Ferrari plan late Carlos Sainz call in Australia

Sainz will have to make the 24-hour trip to Australia on either Monday or Tuesday next week.

This will enable him to adjust to the time zone change in advance of the weekend.

However, Ferrari will wait until the last possible moment before deciding whether to put him in the car.

They’re prepared to give it until Friday, prior to the two scheduled practice sessions, if necessary.

There is recent precedent for a driver making a swift return from appendicitis.

In 2022, Alex Albon missed the Italian Grand Prix with the same affliction, with Williams calling upon Nyck de Vries to replace him.

Albon was then back in the car for the Singapore Grand Prix a couple of weeks later, but every case is different.

One would imagine that Sainz is especially desperate to get back behind the wheel in what is a vital year for his career.

He’s driving to impress prospective suitors in the knowledge that Lewis Hamilton will take his Ferrari seat in 2025.

Ferrari, however, won’t feel the need to rush Sainz back after such a strong showing from Bearman.

The Scuderia know that, in all likelihood, they’re not fighting for a world championship this year given the extent of Red Bull’s dominance.