Ferrari have confirmed that Oliver Bearman will be stepping in to replace Carlos Sainz for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

The Spaniard has been diagnosed with appendicitis, meaning the Briton will step up in his Reserve role to race this weekend in Jeddah in his place.

Bearman will not be competing with PREMA Racing across the rest of the Formula 2 weekend as a result, and the Italian team will enter only one car for the remainder of Round 2.

A statement from Ferrari confirmed that Bearman would be at the wheel of the SF-24 from Free Practice 3.

“Carlos Sainz has been diagnosed with appendicitis and will require surgery.

“As from FP3 and for the rest of this weekend, he will be replaced by Reserve Driver Oliver Bearman. Oliver will therefore take no further part in this round of the F2 Championship.

“The Ferrari family wishes Carlos a speedy recovery.”