2021 Dutch Grand Prix - Raikkonen tested positive for COVID-19, Kubica to replace Raikkonen

Kimi Raikkonen has announced by Alfa Romeo Racing that he had tested positive for COVID-19 on Saturday (September 4), forcing the 41 year-old Finnish driver to miss the Dutch Grand Prix weekend. 

The FIA and F1 said in a statement as follows: 

“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.”

Following the withdrawal of Raikkonen, Alfa Romeo announced that reserve driver Robert Kubica will replace Raikkonen for this week's Dutch GP.

Raikkonen will need a negative test before being allowed to return to the paddock and therefore it remains unclear whether he will be available for next weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

On Kubica stepping in at short notice, the team said: "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."

Source

- https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.breaking-raikkonen-ruled-out-of-dutch-gp-after-positive-covid-19-test-kubica.2Z6iYWiBCeqIzDVvIhVBBx.html