Red Bull junior driver Jonny Edgar will not contest the remainder of the FIA Formula 3 Championship after being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease.
Edgar’s Trident team announced his seat will has been taken by Oliver Rasmussen for the rest of the championship.Speaking after the opening rounds of the F3 season in Bahrain, 18-year-old Edgar admitted his performance had been limited due to an illness. He finished the opening races 13th and 11th.
In a post on social media shared on Monday, Edgar disclosed his diagnosis and explained his “extremely difficult decision” to withdraw from the championship.
“As a family, we have made the extremely difficult decision that I will not continue in the 2022 FIA F3 Championship until I am feeling well again,” Edgar said.
“Having recently been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, at the present time I am simply unable to physically compete at the level required. Once on the correct treatment path, I will hopefully be back to full health [and] fitness but until then I need to take some time out to prioritise my health.”
Crohn’s disease is a chronic condition which affects the digestive system and can lead to severe fatigue and discomfort. While there is no cure for the condition, many diagnosed with Crohn’s are able to live their lives generally uninhibited provided they receive an effective treatment plan to manage the condition.
Trident team manager, Giacomo Ricci, praised Edgar’s efforts to race on despite the illness he suffered after joining them.
“It is with great regret that we say goodbye to Jonny Edgar, and we wish him the quickest possible recovery,” Ricci said.
“Since the start of the season, he was weakened by physical issues, but he fought like a lion. He did not back down and continued to race. However, his conditions necessitate a break from his competitive activity to support his recovery. Jonny always gave his maximum to the team, he has a fantastic family and is a wonderful guy.”
Rasmussen said he was “delighted” to have the opportunity to race with Trident for the remainder of the season.
“I will give my 100 percent on track to reward the trust that Trident Motorsport has placed in me, and I cannot wait to wear the team’s colors,” he said.
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BasCB (@bascb)
4th April 2022, 11:36
Crohn’s disease is pretty nasty. It will certainly impact any sporters fitness regime. Good luck getting through that!
Sensord4notbeingafanboi (@peartree)
4th April 2022, 12:43
I would not want jonny’s seat if I were Rasmussen.
wsrgo (@wsrgo)
4th April 2022, 14:47
@peartree Delete your account.
Sensord4notbeingafanboi (@peartree)
5th April 2022, 4:19
@wsrgo again? Nah.
Finally someone got a joke. I have had a few crackers lately, I left 3 rocks on yesterday’s round-up, I was beggining to think only Taylor Hawkings read my comments.
Euro Brun (@eurobrun)
4th April 2022, 13:23
That’s bad news. I wouldn’t wish Crohn’s on anyone. I have a friend who suffers with it and one day to the next can be a rollercoaster.
DonSmee (@david-beau)
4th April 2022, 13:44
I have a similar gut disease. You are fatigued, bloated or mentally hazy all the time until you get a the right treatment/ diet. The Chron’s people can get diarrhea though! Soiled coveralls arent great for the mechanics.
Jere (@jerejj)
4th April 2022, 14:41
I’ve never heard about such disease, but hopefully, he gets well soon.
RandomMallard
4th April 2022, 15:31
Oh dear that’s dreadful news. Would never wish that on anyone. Hope he gets well soon.
Nulla Pax (@nullapax)
4th April 2022, 16:04
I worked with a bloody good guy who had a young family when he was diagnosed with it.
Pretty much life destroying for him :(
Ryan Carson
4th April 2022, 20:35
Have lived with Crohns for 11 years, I know it’s not the same for everyone with it but I found the key to reducing it was to reduce my stress levels. I hope that Pierre Gasly doesn’t have the same condition also. It tends to flare up for a while, need treatment or removal of parts of your intestines, etc then it goes away.
Hopefully it’s been caught early before it developed into latter stages.
Love and Life… and motor racing :)
Yaru (@yaru)
4th April 2022, 22:41
Hopefully he will manage it well and good life. Sad there is no cure but with hopefully he can get it treated well enough to live a fufiling life.
Glenniz1
5th April 2022, 7:15
My son was diagnosed at fifteen, it’s been hell just trying to finish college, could not even imagine racing!
God Bless!!