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Raikkonen out of Dutch GP after positive COVID test
Kimi Raikkonen will miss the Dutch Grand Prix after testing positive for COVID-19, with Robert Kubica replacing him at Alfa Romeo.
The Finn -- who announced he will retire from Formula 1 at the end of the season earlier this week -- returned a positive test result on Saturday morning having tested on Friday, forcing him to isolate as per FIA COVID protocols. Alfa Romeo reserve Kubica will replace Raikkonen for the rest of the weekend, turning his first laps in FP3 at Zandvoort.
“Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN confirm that, following the latest round of testing conducted in Zandvoort in advance of the 2021 Dutch Grand Prix, driver Kimi Räikkönen has tested positive for COVID-19,” a team statement read.
“Kimi is displaying no symptoms and is in good spirits. He has immediately entered isolation in his hotel. The team has carried out an investigation for any close contacts and there is no further impact expected for the team for the remainder of this event. Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN wishes Kimi a speedy recovery.
“Robert has been reserve driver of Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN since the start of the 2020 season and has driven the team’s C41 in three practice sessions this year. With 97 Formula 1 starts to his name and experience with 2021 Formula 1 machinery, he will be ready for action and to give his best for the team.”
At present there is no further information on whether Raikkonen will be able to return in time for next weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza, although Dutch government regulations would permit him to leave quarantine in the Netherlands in time for the race should he return a negative test result.
If Raikkonen is unable to race next weekend, Kubica is likely to continue to fill in, with the other Alfa Romeo reserve driver Callum Ilott set for his first IndyCar start at Portland. Ilott was unavailable for Zandvoort as he is racing at the Nurburgring this weekend.
Presented by:
Chris Medland
While studying Sports Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire, Chris managed to talk his way into working at the British Grand Prix in 2008 and was retained for three years before joining ESPN F1 as Assistant Editor. After three further years at ESPN, a spell as F1 Editor at Crash Media Group was followed by the major task of launching F1i.com’s English-language website and running it as Editor. Present at every race since the start of 2014, he has continued building his freelance portfolio, working with international titles. As well as writing for RACER, his broadcast work includes television appearances on F1 TV and as a presenter and reporter on North America's live radio coverage on SiriusXM.
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