F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Racing Point '99% sure' Perez will return in Barcelona

Racing Point team boss Otmar Szafnauer is "99% sure" Sergio Perez will return to action in Barcelona this week in the wake of a probable negative COVID-19 test.

Perez tested positive for the coronavirus before the British Grand Prix weekend and subsequently remained in quarantine where a second positive test kept the Mexican on the sidelines for last weekend's 70th Anniversary Grand Prix.

Racing Point drafted in Nico Hulkenberg to fill Perez's seat and the German will remain on stand-by for the Spanish Grand Prix.

"It seems like the amount of virus in his [Perez] system is coming down significantly from test to test," Szafnauer explained at Silverstone.

"He tested again [on Saturday]. I anticipate either by the time we get the result, or we get a result early next week, he will be in the negative range.

"I think by the time we get to Barcelona, he'll be back in the car. But I'm trying to guess the future. If that doesn't happen, then don't crucify me because I can't predict the future.

"But just looking at the rate of the virus leaving his system, if it's linear, he should be OK by the time he gets back to Barcelona."

Szafnauer confirmed that Hulkenberg - who finished seventh in Sunday's 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone - will remain Racing Point's reserve driver in Barcelona.

"If [Perez] wasn't in the car, it would be Nico," said the American.

"I was 99% sure that Nico would be in the car for both Silverstones, and now 99% sure that Checo will be in the car for Spain."

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Sainz left puzzled by double crash drama in rainy São Paulo

Carlos Sainz was left scratching his head after a disastrous Sunday at the Sao Paulo…

1 hour ago

Alonso pushed through agonizing pain to complete Sao Paulo GP

Fernando Alonso braved both physical agony and mechanical challenges in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix,…

3 hours ago

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

17 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

19 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

20 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

22 hours ago