Sergio Perez tests positive ahead of British F1 Grand Prix
The coronavirus pandemic has caused havoc on sporting series around the world, including Formula 1 with the season-opening Australian Grand Prix cancelled as a result of a positive test for a member of the McLaren team.
However, in early July it became the first international sporting World Championship to return to action with a triple header which will be followed by this weekend’s British Grand Prix.
Perez, though, won’t be racing.
The Mexican racer, who like the rest of the field tried to maintain his bubble in the week’s break between Hungary and Silverstone, has tested positive.
He initially recorded an inconclusive result and had to be tested again, waiting in isolation away from the rest of the paddock during that time.
That second test came back positive on Thursday evening.
A statement from his Racing Point team reads: “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.”
Shock return for Nico Hulkenberg?
With first practice for the British Grand Prix set to get underway late Friday morning, Racing Point is in a race to find a replacement driver.
While initially it was thought that Mercedes test driver Esteban Ocon could join Lance Stroll for the British weekend, rumours have linked former Racing Point driver Nico Hulkenberg to the seat.
Hulkenberg left Formula 1 at the end of last season, dropped by Renault with whom he spent the last three years of his Formula 1 career.
The German has since stepped into a part-time commentary role and has reportedly informed RTL that he cannot commentate this weekend as he has been asked by Racing Point if he is free to race
He is awaiting the results of a Covid-19 test.
Formula 1 show will go on
Unlike in Australia when Formula 1 packed up after a positive test, the show will go on this weekend.
Motorsport’s governing body, the FIA, has confirmed that in the wake of Perez’s test, a “full track and trace” has been undertaken to ensure that there is no spread of the coronavirus in the paddock.
“Following today’s announcement that Sergio Perez of the BWT Racing Point Formula 1 Team produced an inconclusive test result for COVID-19 at the Silverstone Circuit ahead of the 2020 FIA Formula 1 British Grand Prix, the FIA and Formula 1 can now confirm that the result of his re-test is positive,” the statement read.
“Perez has entered self-quarantine in accordance with the instructions of the relevant public health authorities, and will continue to follow the procedure mandated by those authorities.
“With assistance of the local organiser of the British Grand Prix, local health authorities and the FIA COVID-19 delegate, a full track and trace initiative has been undertaken and all close contacts have been quarantined.
“The procedures set out by the FIA and Formula 1 have provided for swift containment of an incident that will have no wider impact on this weekend’s event.”
Racing Point has self-isolated a small group of team members with whom Perez has had contact with.
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