Raikkonen out of Dutch GP after positive Covid test; Kubica returns

Kimi Raikkonen will miss the remainder of the Dutch Grand Prix weekend at Zandvoort after testing positive for Covid-19.

Raikkonen is the first driver this season to miss a race due to a positive Covid test after Sergio Perez, Lance Stroll and Lewis Hamilton all missed races last year.

In a statement, Alfa Romeo confirmed: "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."

The race becomes the first not to feature Raikkonen since the 2017 Malaysian Grand Prix when a battery issue prevented the then Ferrari driver from competing.

Reserve driver Robert Kubica will step into the race seat for the remainder of the weekend with just one practice session to get up to speed before qualifying.

"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," said Alfa Romeo.

"With 97 Formula One starts to his name and experience with 2021 Formula One machinery, he will be ready for action and to give his best for the team."

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