Breaking: Sainz out of Qatar Grand Prix

Less than an hour before the start of the Qatar Grand Prix, the Ferrari team announced that Carlos Sainz will not take part in the race.

The Spaniard, who was due to start 12th, will not be able to race at Lusail due to a fault in his SF-23. It is connected in the fuel system of the car, which has leaked just before the start procedure.

Because this defect appeared so late, Ferrari mechanics did not have the time to fix it and Sainz will not be able to race today.

NEWS: Due to a fuel system issue on his car, @CarlosSainz55 will not take part in the Qatar GP#QatarGP 🇶🇦 #F1 #CarlosSainz pic.twitter.com/lvVtCokQB5

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This is bad news for the Scuderia as they are trying to fight for second place in the constructors’ championship and it is possible that Mercedes will take a good amount of points today, increasing their advantage over the Italians.