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Baku, a Pain in the Neck for Sainz

Neck pain forces Sainz out of Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Carlos Sainz has been forced to withdraw from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after suffering a neck injury in a high-speed crash during qualifying. A source with knowledge of Sainz's condition, who spoke with Motorsport.com, said the driver was taken to the medical center and later to a local hospital for further evaluation. This is a developing story. More details to follow.

Sainz's crash happened at Turn 4

Sainz lost control of his Ferrari at Turn 4 causing him to crash heavily into the wall. Sainz was able to get out of the car under his own power. However, he was clearly in pain and was holding his neck. Several other drivers, including Sergio Perez and Charles Leclerc, reported feeling a bump at the same corner Sainz crashed. Azerbaijan has had a history of drivers crashing at Turn 4. In 2021, Max Verstappen crashed here which brought out a red flag.

Sainz has a history of neck injuries

The Spaniard has suffered from neck injuries in the past. He missed the Canadian Grand Prix in 2022 due to a neck injury. Sainz said at the time that he had been suffering from neck pain for several weeks. He aggravated the injury during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix weekend. Sainz is expected to undergo further tests to determine the extent of the injury. It is unclear if he will be able to race in the next Grand Prix in Canada.