An Italian returns to drive for Ferrari: he will take Carlos Sainz's place in Abu Dhabi

11/10/2024 01:05 PM

Oliver Bearman will not be able to take Carlos Sainz's Ferrari seat in FP1 of the Abu Dhabi GP as previously planned. Instead, an Italian driver might step in. The English driver, having competed in his third official F1 race, has lost his rookie status according to FIA rules and therefore cannot participate in the session.

FP1 in Abu Dhabi is reserved for rookie drivers, and Oliver Bearman was originally set to take Carlos Sainz's place. However, after racing in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Azerbaijan, and more recently in Brazil, Ferrari has had to come up with an alternative solution.

Who will drive the Ferrari in Abu Dhabi in Carlos Sainz's place?
Nothing is official yet, but recent developments at Maranello don't leave much room for doubt. In recent days, Antonio Fuoco, fresh from his Le Mans win, was seen driving the F1-75 on Ferrari's Fiorano circuit.

Antonio Fuoco's presence quickly sparked speculation that this could be a test run in preparation for Abu Dhabi, where Ferrari will need to bring in a different driver. If Antonio Fuoco is chosen, it would mark the return of an Italian driver behind the wheel of a Ferrari—a sight not seen in several years.

The last Italian to drive a Ferrari was Antonio Fuoco himself during the post-season tests in Abu Dhabi in 2020. This would therefore be an unexpected return for the young Italian driver currently competing in the World Endurance Championship.

An official decision on this choice is still pending, but it could come just before the race that will close out the season. If the signs are any indication…

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