Sergio Perez to Miss British GP after Testing Positive for COVID-19

By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief

Sergio Perez will not be competing in this weekend’s British Grand Prix due to testing positive for COVID-19.

The 30-year-old Mexican had an inconclusive first test and was self-isolating while awaiting results for a second tst, which confirmed he is the first Formula 1 driver to test positive for the coronavirus.

“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,” read a statement by the FIA.

“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 is now left to fill the vacant seat alongside Lance Stroll for this weekend. The team has an agreement in place with Mercedes to call up reserve drivers Esteban Gutierrez and Stoffel Vandoorne.

“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,” read a statement by Racing Point.

“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.”