Sergio Perez tests positive for Covid-19; out of British Grand Prix

Sergio Perez

Perez tests positive for Covid-19; out of British Grand Prix

The Mexican is currently in self-isolation

Ian Parkes

Thursday 30 July 2020 21:21 Updated: 21:31

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Sergio Perez is out of this weekend's British Grand Prix after testing positive for Covid-19.

The Racing Point driver was initially denied admittance to Silverstone and was forced to miss the FIA drivers' press conference after his first test proved inconclusive.

A re-test has now confirmed the Mexican driver is positive, with Formula 1 and the FIA acting swiftly with its containment measures.

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A statement read: "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.

"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 the 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 has Esteban Gutierrez and Stoffel Vandoorne as its reserve drivers, with the likelihood being that Perez's compatriot will be given the nod as the latter is in Germany for Formula E.

At this stage, although making clear it intends to run two cars this weekend, the team is not confirming who will partner Lance Stroll at Silverstone.

A team statement read: "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.

"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."