Carlos Sainz was absent from the Brazilian Grand Prix paddock on Thursday after contracting an illness. Williams released a statement confirming that their driver was forced to cancel his mandatory media commitments at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace.
“Unfortunately, Carlos is unwell and will not be coming to track today, so all mandatory media slots will be cancelled,” the team statement issued to the media explained. No specifics were given relating to the nature of Sainz’s illness, and it remains to be seen whether the Spaniard will be fit in time to complete Friday’s on-track duties.
Should the four-time Grand Prix winner not be ruled fit to race in Interlagos, team principal James Vowles could turn to Mercedes’ third driver, Valtteri Bottas, or Williams development driver Luke Browning, who has already made two FP1 appearances this season.
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