Kimi Raikkonen ruled out of Dutch GP after positive Covid-19 test as replacement named

Kimi Raikkonen will miss this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix after tesing positive for Covid-19 – with reserve driver Robert Kubica named as his replacement. Raikkonen took part in Friday practice at Zandvoort but Alfa Romeo confirmed on Saturday morning that he had returned a positive result from the latest round of testing on site.

The 41-year-old, who has announced he will retire at the end of the season, will be replaced by Kubica, who most recently raced in 2019 with Williams.

A statement from Alfa Romeo read: “Kimi is displaying no symptoms and is in good spirits.

“He has immediately entered isolation in his hotel. The team wishes Kimi a speedy recovery.”

The FIA and F1 said in a statement: “The FIA, Formula 1 and Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN can today confirm that during onsite PCR testing for the 2021 FIA Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix, Kimi Räikkönen has tested positive for COVID-19.

“In accordance with COVID-19 protocols he will take no further part in this Event. All contacts have been declared. The procedures set out by the FIA and Formula 1 will ensure no wider impact on the Dutch Grand Prix.”

Raikkonen will need a negative test before being allowed to return to the paddock, so it remains unclear whether he will be available for next weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

Alfa Romeo added: “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 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.”