Formula 1: Sergio Perez out for British Grand Prix with COVID-19
By Asher Fair
Sergio Perez tested positive for COVID-19 and will not be able to compete in this Sunday’s British Grand Prix Formula 1 race at Silverstone Circuit.
For the first time in the 2020 Formula 1 season, a driver will be forced to miss a race after testing positive for COVID-19. That driver is Racing Point’s Sergio Perez, who will sit out this weekend’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone Circuit.
Perez had an “inconclusive test” and was self-isolating away from the track on Thursday before he was re-tested and it was confirmed that he had tested positive. A number of team members who had been in contact with Perez are currently self-isolating and being re-tested as well.
Fortunately, the 30-year-old Mexican is “physically well and in good spirits” despite his positive test, according to the team.
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“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,” read a team statement.
Racing Point are still planning to compete in this Sunday’s 52-lap race around the 18-turn, 3.661-mile (5.892-kilometer) road course in Silverstone, Northamptonshire, United Kingdom, which is the fourth race on the 2020 schedule. Perez’s replacement alongside teammate Lance Stroll has not yet been confirmed for this event.
“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.”
The FIA also issued a statement about the matter.
“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,” their statement read.
“With assistance of the local organizer 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.”
Through the first three races of the season, Perez sits in a fifth place tie in the driver standings with two sixth place finishes and a seventh place finish. He leads Stroll, who sits in a seventh place tie, 22-18. Racing Point sit fourth in the constructor standings with 40 points, one point shy of McLaren.
Perez has not missed a race since he did not start the 2014 Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit. Since then, he had made 122 consecutive starts, the third longest active streak.
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The British Grand Prix is set to be broadcast live on ESPN from Silverstone Circuit beginning at 9:10 a.m. ET this Sunday, August 2.