Perez tests positive, will miss British Grand Prix

Mark Scott
Sergio Perez mask helmet.jpg

Sergio Perez has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss the entire British Grand Prix weekend, Racing Point has confirmed.

The Mexican driver has been in isolation after a first test of the week returned inconclusive results and he awaited the verdict of a second test.

That second test has returned positive and so, following the strict protocols in place, will miss the British Grand Prix and the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix the following week as he must now self-isolate for 10 days.

A Racing Point statement read: ‘Following the announcement that Sergio has tested positive for COVID-19 at the Silverstone Circuit ahead of the Formula 1 Pirelli British Grand Prix, the team regrets to announce that he will be unable to participate in this weekend’s race.

‍’Sergio is physically well and in good spirits, but he will continue to self-isolate under the guidelines of the relevant public health authorities, with safety the ultimate priority for the team and the sport.

‍’The entire team wishes Sergio well and looks forward to welcoming him back into the cockpit of the RP20 soon.

‍’Our intention is to race two cars on Sunday. We will communicate the next steps for our British Grand Prix weekend in due course.’

It is widely expected that Nico Hulkenberg will be drafted in to cover for Perez. The German driver left Formula 1 at the end of the 2019 season and was replaced at Renault by Esteban Ocon.

Hulkenberg still has connections with the Racing Point as he spent four seasons with the team under their former name of Force India.

Other options include Esteban Gutierrez and Stoffel Vandoorne.

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