Horner: Perez COVID case a 'stark reminder' of F1's vulnerability

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Red Bull team boss Christian Horner says that Sergio Perez's positive test for COVID-19 this week is a "stark reminder" of F1's vulnerability to the widespread pandemic and the importance of following safety protocol.

Perez was sidelined from this weekend's British Grand Prix and placed in quarantine after testing positive for the coronavirus.

The Mexican's positive test was only the third detected among the F1 community since early July and following thousands of tests conducted on team personnel.

While Perez is a high profile case, the low numbers suggest that the stringent safety measures implemented in the paddock - where teams function according to a bubble organization - and away from the track are working to keep the coronavirus at bay.

Racing Point had 'no issues' with Perez trip to Mexico

But Horner argues that Perez's positive test means that F1 can in no means lower its guard against the pandemic.

"Sometimes in Formula 1, we feel we're a bit isolated and we all live in our own bubbles anyway," Horner said on Friday at Silverstone.

"But I think that when it happens to somebody like Perez, a driver who is affected like that, it's a stark reminder that these procedures are here for a reason.

"The procedures we take as a team and collectively as Formula 1, we do everything that we can to ensure that as little unnecessary contact is made either at the race event, away from the race event, or within the factory.

"It is very difficult, but it's a stark reminder that this thing hasn't gone away yet.

"It's still out there. We're going to be travelling to countries where there are second waves and peaks that are still bubbling away.

"That's where as a group, as Formula 1, we do need to keep that discipline with the procedures that are in place.

"I think it was handled well, and it's been executed well by the FIA and by the team."

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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.