Sergio Perez struggles leaving Red Bull on ‘one leg’ against McLaren.
but missed the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix with appendicitis – with British teenager Oliver Bearman stepping in for his Formula 1 debut.
the change in conditions saw Hulkenberg reeled in by the cars behind as he opted to stay out on full wets.
what they were able to do over one lap – in the hands of Nico Hulkenberg in particular – was vastly different.
“Of course the difference is he has the choice of whether he wants to come here or not and that’s his to make.
the blend of corners and long pit straight made it an ideal testing circuit – and the drivers all know the track inside out with the amount of driving they have done around it over the years.
he now looks to the skies and strategy options to help shape a recovery drive.
”Asked if he is targeting taking the fight to the cars in front of Mercedes.
but the team did not do theirs in deciding against reversing the positions.
Sainz was replaced by Ferrari reserve Oliver Bearman for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix after being ruled out through illness.