Perez forced into isolation after 'inconclusive' COVID-19 test!

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Sergio Perez is in self-isolation outside Silverstone after a routine COVID-19 test could not conclude whether the Mexican has tested positive or negative for the virus.

Perez was conspicuously absent from Racing Point's FIA press conference, with a team spokesman justifying the driver's absence.

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"Checo is not at the circuit today following an inconclusive test result," he said. "He is self-isolating awaiting the results of a re-test."

Also, it appears that Perez came into contact with a small group of Racing Point team members, all of which are also self-isolating until calrity is reached on the Mexican's situation.

All team members as well as paddock personnel are tested at a regular five-day interval for the coronavirus according to the safety procedures and guidelines overseen by F1 and the FIA.

Earlier this week, F1 revealed that there were zero positive cases among the 1,461 tests conducted among the paddock community between Friday 17th July and Thursday 23rd July, a result that validated F1's stringent safety protocol.

Should Perez' second test prove positive, the Mexican would be replaced by either Stoffel Vandoorne or Esteban Gutierrez, Mercedes' reserve drivers.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.