F1: Perez Tests Positive for COVID-19, Gutiérrez & Hülkenberg in Line to Replace Him

Racing Point have lost one of their two drivers for the British Grand Prix and 70th Anniversary Grand Prix after Sergio Perez tested positive for COVID-19, meaning he now has to self-isolate.

The Mexican is the teams lead driver this season, currently lying sixth in the world championship with 22 points. He will miss both Silverstone races due to new 10-day isolation guidelines released by the British government this week. He is the first driver to test positive, though team personnel from other outfits have also tested positive this season.

As per F1’s track and trace system, the 30-year-old along with his close contacts have gone into self-isolation.

“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

His team claim he is “physically well and in good spirits” going on to mention how the they look forward to welcoming him back in time. Racing Point are expected to field a replacement driver.

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

As Mercedes engine users, Racing Point have the services of both Mercedes reserves; Esteban Gutiérrez and Stoffel Vandoorne, though the latter is expected to be unavailable as he prepares to race in the Formula E’s season finale at Berlin Tempelhof Airport.

Also emerging as a potential driver though is Nico Hulkenberg. The German entered 179 races over his nine-year F1 career, last racing for the works Renault team in 2019, where he finished 14th in the standings. However, his contract was not renewed and with no drive for this season would provide the perfect super-sub for Racing Point, who Hulkenberg raced from 2014-16 as Force India.

Gutiérrez is an experienced F1 star himself racing in 2013-14, 16 for Sauber and Haas. As the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team test driver, the Mexican has in depth knowledge of the engine and chassis, especially with the Racing Point’s distinct similarity to the 2019 Mercedes. He’ll be a favourable option for many of Perez’s Mexican sponsors, though during his three seasons in F1 only managed to score in one Grand Prix.

Racing Point is expected to make a decision before first practice at 11:00am Friday 31st July.