Carlos Sainz faced a terrifying ordeal at the F1 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, where a sudden appendix scare nearly turned catastrophic. As he shared his story, Sainz revealed how a seemingly ordinary race weekend spiraled into an emergency situation.
The Spanish driver, who recently learned he would be replaced by Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari after the 2024 season, started the year strong by clinching third place at the Bahrain Grand Prix. However, his momentum was abruptly halted in Saudi Arabia due to appendicitis, forcing him to withdraw from the event. Oliver Bearman, a promising talent, stepped in for Sainz at the challenging Jeddah street circuit.
Sainz initially dismissed his symptoms, which began with a high fever and frequent bathroom trips during his media commitments. Despite feeling drained and unwell, he participated in Thursday’s practice sessions, finishing sixth and seventh. But by Friday, Sainz’s condition had deteriorated, leading Ferrari to announce his withdrawal from the weekend, giving Bearman—a recent pole-sitter in the F2 support race—the chance to join Charles Leclerc.
Recalling the severity of his condition, Sainz explained how he struggled through intense physical challenges on the demanding Jeddah track. He described the sessions as the hardest of his career due to the combination of illness, lack of energy, and oppressive heat. Recognizing that something was seriously wrong, Sainz sought medical attention and was diagnosed with appendicitis, a realization that prompted immediate surgical intervention.
Doctors were shocked at how long Sainz had endured the condition, warning him of the life-threatening risks had his appendix burst. Even then, Sainz was eager to race, asking if strong medication could allow him to compete before undergoing surgery. Faced with the potential of severe complications, he reluctantly agreed to the operation, but his mind remained on the races ahead.
Post-surgery, Sainz was back at the track to support his team, witnessing Leclerc secure another podium finish. Although he missed valuable championship points, he bounced back remarkably to win the Australian Grand Prix two weeks later. His quick recovery and return to form were commendable, showcasing his resilience in the face of unexpected adversity.
Sainz’s experience mirrored that of Williams driver Alex Albon, who suffered a similar appendicitis scare in 2022. Despite facing respiratory complications post-surgery, Albon returned swiftly to racing, highlighting the physical and mental fortitude required of F1 drivers when dealing with health crises.
Carlos Sainz’s appendix ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of life, even for athletes at the pinnacle of their careers. His swift decision-making and determination not only preserved his health but also illustrated the grit and tenacity synonymous with Formula 1 competitors.
