Just days after the news that he would be retiring at the end of the season, Kimi Räikkönen will miss this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix after testing positive for COVID-19. He will be replaced Alfa Romeo reserve driver Robert Kubica, whose last race was in Abu Dhabi with Williams back in 2019. This will be Kubica’s 98th race start overall, but only his first as an Alfa Romeo driver.
In a statement regarding Räikkönen’s absence, Formula 1 and the FIA said: “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.”
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Fortunately, Räikkönen is displaying no symptoms and is “in good spirits” according to the team, but before he can race again he will need to show a negative test, leaving his status for next weekend’s Italian Grand Prix up in the air for the time being.
Alfa Romeo also commented on Kubica’s last-minute call to action: “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.”
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Kubica participated in today’s qualifying session, which saw Max Verstappen starting on pole for his home race, followed by Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas in second and third respectively. Kubica will start the race in 18th place.
