F1 Championship 2021: Kimi Raikkonen tests COVID positive, ruled out of Dutch GP
Kimi Raikkonen has been ruled out of this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix after testing COVID positive. Robert Kubica will replace him as the reserve driver for Alfa Romeo.
FollowFinnish racer Kimi Raikkonen has tested positive for COVID-19. Consequently, he would not be taking part in the Dutch Grand Prix this weekend. He came out with a positive result on Saturday during an on-site test.
While he misses out in the Netherlands, he would be replaced by Alfa Romeo's reserve driver Robert Kubica. The reserve happens to be a one-time race winner, having last raced during the Abu Dhabi GP in 2019. While it would be his 98th start in the F1 Championships, it would be his first race for the team.
"The FIA, Formula 1 and Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN can today confirm that during on-site 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," said F1 in a statement.
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Meanwhile, Alfa Romeo said that Kubica has been a part of the side since 2020 as a reserve driver and took part in three practice sessions this year with the C41. While he has 97 starts to his name and experience with the F1 2021 machinery, the team expects him to be ready for action and perform to the fullest.
A couple of days back, Raikkonen had announced that he would be hanging up his helmet after the Formula One Championships this season. Raikkonen has struggled with his form this season. Having participated in 12 races this season, he failed to earn a podium finish. In contrast, his best finish has been tenth during the Azerbaijan and Hungarian GP, while gaining just a couple of points so far.
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