Sainz was due to start from 12th position after a disappointing qualifying on Friday, in which he missed the cut to Q3 by 0.031s.
But just an hour before the race the Ferrari team announced that the Spaniard would not make the start at all, after encountering a fuel system issue on the car.
Ferrari's mechanics frantically worked to get Sainz's SF-23 ready to go to the grid, but ultimately found the problem cannot be remedied in time for the race which starts at 8pm local Qatar time.
In a brief statement the Italian team said: "Due to a fuel system issue on his car, Carlos will not take part in the Qatar GP."
Ferrari's Qatar hopes are now solely pinned on his team-mate Charles Leclerc, who will start the race at the Lusail International Circuit from fifth on the grid, with recently crowned triple world champion Max Verstappen leading the field from pole.
More to follow...
Source: Autosport