Nico Hulkenberg will have another chance to make his Formula 1 Grand Prix return after Sergio Perez has tested positive for Covid-19 a second time in the lead up to the 70th Anniversary GP at Silverstone.
Perez was set to return to Racing Point a week after being compelled to miss the British Grand Prix when the Mexican racer become the first driver to return a positive result since the sport made its post-coronavirus suspension return.
Perez was given the green light to compete in this weekend’s race having completed his mandatory 10-day isolation period as stipulated by UK law and given he tested negative prior to FP1.
A cursory statement by the team announced today:
“Sergio’s test has returned a positive result and he will continue to follow the guidance of Public Health England. He is physically well and recovering.”
Hulkenberg made a surprise return to the F1 scene last weekend, his first since last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with Renault.
Qualifying 13th, Hulkenberg unfortunately failed to make the start of the race after a clutch issue prevented his RP20 from firing.
The German admitted it would be frustrating if he wouldn’t be able to have a second chance at racing this weekend though conceded he would be forced to make way for Perez if he did return.
“I’m excited to get going again with the team at Silverstone,” he said. “Last weekend, it was a real step into the unknown having been away from the team for a few years – and driving a car I’d never driven before.
“I’ve learned a lot in the last week about the RP20, and I am ready to apply my experiences to this weekend. Racing at the same track again makes things a bit easier and the team has done a great job in helping me get up to speed. I think we can fight for points this weekend, which is definitely my goal. I also want to wish Checo all the best in his recovery.”
Racing Point offered zero comment in relation to who will be driving the team’s second car in next week’s Spanish Grand Prix at Barcelona.
The team’s other driver Lance Stroll finished ninth in last weekend’s British Grand Prix after a strong showing by the Racing Point outfit.