Hulkenberg replaces Vettel in Bahrain after positive Covid test

Nico Hulkenberg will replace Sebastian Vettel for the Bahrain Grand Prix after the four-time champion has tested positive for Covid-19.

Hulkenberg will return to the F1 grid for the first time since 2020 when the German filled in for Lance Stroll at Racing Point when the Canadian was also sidelined by Covid-19.

Vettel is the second driver to see his 2022 preparations affected by the pandemic after Daniel Ricciardo missed all three days of the Bahrain pre-season test through illness.

In a statement, Aston Martin confirmed: "Sebastian Vettel has tested positive for Covid-19 and will not therefore be taking part in the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix.

"Replacing him in the AMR22 will be Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team reserve driver Nico Hülkenberg, who will be in the car from FP1 onwards."

UPDATE: Sebastian Vettel has tested positive for COVID-19 and will therefore not be taking part in the 2022 #BahrainGP.

Replacing him in the AMR22 will be Reserve Driver @HulkHulkenberg, who will be in the car from FP1 onwards. #F1 pic.twitter.com/36wnI8LUAC

— Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) March 17, 2022

As Racing Point in 2020, Aston Martin needed to call on the services of Hulkenberg on three occasions with the German substituting for Sergio Perez in the British and 70th Anniversary GP.

He then further replaced Stroll at that year's Eifel GP.

Vettel becomes the fifth driver to miss a race through Covid with Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen completing the list.

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