Simon Lazenby shares what he heard about Carlos Sainz Saudi paddock visit

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Carlos Sainz ignored doctors’ orders in visiting the paddock for Saturday’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Sky Sports F1 presenter Simon Lazenby says.

Sainz underwent surgery after he was diagnosed with appendicitis, causing him to miss the race.

And Lazenby has revealed that he was advised against attending the event so soon.

Sainz competed in both of Thursday’s practice sessions but then had to withdraw on Friday morning.

Oliver Bearman stepped into his Ferrari car and qualified in 11th place before finishing seventh.

Sainz had finished third in the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, winning the driver of the day award.

Simon Lazenby says Carlos Sainz ignored doctors’ orders

Speaking on Sky Sports F1’s post-race show, Lazenby shared what he’d heard about Sainz’s unexpected arrival.

The 29-year-old was apparently determined to make it even though he was instructed to continue resting after his procedure.

Lazenby said: “The fact that he got up, against doctors’ orders I understand, he wanted to come here, he really did, and go into the back of the garage.”

Will Sainz return for Australian Grand Prix?

Sainz will now hope to demonstrate his fitness to return to the cockpit for the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne in two weeks’ time.

Precedent suggests it’s possible, with Williams driver Alex Albon making a comeback at the 2022 Singapore Grand Prix within a couple of weeks of a similar procedure.

Each case is different, however, and Ferrari won’t want to take undue risks so early in a 24-round championship.

Bearman has demonstrated that he’s an able deputy with the best debut performance since 2015.

The 18-year-old, dubbed ‘brilliant’ by Sky F1’s Martin Brundle, will wait to see whether he’s needed again at Albert Park.