Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen will not be present for the rest of the Dutch GP weekend after testing positive for Covid-19.
The positive result was found during routine on-site testing at Zandvoort and so, Raikkonen, who just days ago announced his retirement from F1 at the end of the season, must now isolate.
In his place, one of the team’s reserve drivers, Robert Kubica, will race in the seat.
The last time Kubica took to the track to race was in 2019 in Abu Dhabi, and this weekend’s race will mark his 98th start and 1st as an Alfa Romeo driver.
Raikkonen is now in quarantine in his hotel room, and the team has confirmed that at this point he is showing “no symptoms and is in good spirits”.
“The team wishes Kimi a speedy recovery.”
The FIA and F1 then released a statement saying; “The FIA, Formula 1 and Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN can today confirm that during onsite PCR testing for the 2021 FIA Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix, Kimi Räikkönen has tested positive for COVID-19.
“In accordance with COVID-19 protocols, he will take no further part in this Event.
“All contacts have been declared. The procedures set out by the FIA and Formula 1 will ensure no wider impact on the Dutch Grand Prix.”
Before returning to the paddock, and racing, Raikkonen will need a negative test and so it hasn’t been confirmed whether he will be able to race next weekend for the Italian Grand Prix.
