This is a first, in times of epidemic, within the very closed club of Formula 1 drivers. The Mexican Sergio Pérez tested positive for Covid-19 and finds himself, in fact, forfeited for the Grand-Prix of Great Britain this weekend, the organizers and his team, Racing Point announced on Thursday. “Sergio is physically well and in a good mood, but he will have to remain confined according to the directives of the competent public health authorities, safety being the priority for the team and the sport,” said the British team.
The 30-year-old Mexican is the first F1 driver to test positive for Covid-19 since the start of this completely disrupted season, on July 5 in Austria. He had already been placed in solitary confinement after a first “inconclusive” test on the eve of the first free practice for the 4th Grand Prix of the season on the Silvestone circuit.
15,000 tests performed
According to his team, Pérez has not returned to his country since the Hungarian Grand Prix ten days ago. His Canadian teammate Lance Stroll was the only Racing Point rider present at Thursday’s press conference. Since the introduction of screening tests at the end of June, only two cases have tested positive and concerned employees of the Hungarian circuit.
Formula One general manager Chase Carey had said ahead of the inaugural Grand Prix that no race would be canceled if a positive case was found. The anti-coronavirus protocol established by Formula One, the organizer of the championship, provides for all F1 staff to be tested before each Grand Prix and every five days. To date, more than 15,000 tests have been performed.
Sergio Pérez is expected to be replaced by his team-mate and compatriot Esteban Gutierrez or by Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne for Sunday’s race. After the first three races (Austria, Styria and Hungary), contested behind closed doors, Pérez occupies sixth place in the drivers’ standings.
