Carlos Sainz is unwell and will not be present today at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace. As a result, the driver will miss Thursday, a day traditionally dedicated to media obligations. The exact nature of the Williams driver’s illness remains unknown, as his team has provided little information in their statement.
In a brief statement, Williams announced Carlos Sainz’s absence. “Unfortunately, Carlos is not feeling well and therefore cannot be present at the circuit today, so all media obligations are hereby cancelled,” the message reads. Nothing has been said about his availability for the race sessions.
Valtteri Bottas
In addition to the main race, the penultimate sprint race of the season is scheduled in Brazil. Therefore, it is particularly important for Sainz to participate in the first free practice on Friday, as this is not only his only chance to clock up miles on the circuit, but also the only opportunity to work on the car’s setup.
If the Spaniard is unable to participate, it remains unclear who Williams will call upon as a replacement. The British team from Grove currently does not have its own reserve driver. Next season, that will be Luke Browning, but he does not yet possess the required super license. Williams will therefore have to look further afield, increasing the likelihood that Valtteri Bottas, the third driver for Mercedes, may make an early return.
