Racing Point has informed that Sergio Perez has completed his quarantine period but he needs a negative COVID-19 result to enter the F1 paddock.
As per the UK Health guidelines, Perez has completed his quarantine period being a mild and asymptomatic patient but he needs a COVID-19 negative result to enter the F1 paddock and eventually take part this weekend at Silverstone.
If it is still positive, Perez is not to compete with Nico Hulkenberg to continue alongside Lance Stroll but if it is negative, then he should return. The result and the decision is pending either tonight and or latest by tomorrow morning.
Here’s the statement from Racing Point: “Public Health England have confirmed that Sergio Perez’s period of quarantine has been completed. In line with the FIA Code Of Conduct, Sergio requires a verified negative test result for COVID-19 before he can enter the paddock.
“The testing process is taking place today. The team expects to make a decision on who is driving alongside Lance later today or first thing tomorrow morning.” Hulkenberg is at Silverstone as expected and is awaiting the decision of Racing Point.
The German F1 driver will be itching to get back after the tremendous effort to make it last weekend in British GP, only to not be able to compete due to a clutch bolt issue in his RP20. He had done well to qualify in 13th despite not testing much in the car.
Hulkenberg is undertaking the media work alongside Stroll with Perez still in his motorhome. Aside the COVID-19 case, Racing Point is also expected to get the result from the FIA of the protest from Renault on Friday, which was heard on Wednesday.
UPDATE: Perez has been officially ruled out of the 70th Anniversary GP as he is still COVID-19 positive, following the test he took on Thursday as per FIA Guideline, with Hulkenberg to continue drive this weekend.
“I’m excited to get going again with the team at Silverstone,” said Hulkenberg. “Last weekend, it was a real step into the unknown having been away from the team for a few years – and driving a car I’d never driven before.
“I’ve learned a lot in the last week about the RP20, and I am ready to apply my experiences to this weekend. Racing at the same track again makes things a bit easier and the team has done a great job in helping me get up to speed.
“I think we can fight for points this weekend, which is definitely my goal. I also want to wish Checo all the best in his recovery.” At the same time, Otmar Szafnauer added: “Nico did a really strong job last weekend after receiving a last-minute call to drive for us at Silverstone, and he proved why he was an obvious choice to stand in for Checo.
“It was a big shame he couldn’t actually take the start of the race last Sunday, but the all that hard work will prove very useful for this weekend. We miss having Checo with us, but we wish him well and look forward to welcoming him back into the team in the near future.”