Nico Hulkenberg returns to F1 after Sergio Perez tests positive for COVID-19

Sergio Perez

SILVERSTONE, England — Germany’s Nico Hulkenberg will switch Racing Point driver Sergio Perez at this weekend’s British System Just one Grand Prix right after the Mexican was dominated out by a beneficial COVID-19 take a look at result.

Hulkenberg, a veteran of 177 grands prix, raced for the team when they were being regarded as Power India. He competed for Renault previous period.

“Having to find a alternative for Sergio at short see is no simple process, but in Nico we’ve received a amazing supersub who the team is aware of very nicely,” mentioned team boss Otmar Szafnauer in a assertion.

“He is surely becoming thrown in at the deep finish, but he is a rapidly learner and I am confident he will get up to speed rapidly.”

Hulkenberg, a Le Mans 24 Hours winner who is well-known in System Just one for not the moment standing on the podium in a very long occupation that began at Williams in 2010, mentioned he had been on his way to the Nürburgring when he received the call.

“That was a lot less than 24 hrs in the past, so it feels a little bit surreal for me correct now, but I like a fantastic problem and this is surely one,” mentioned the 32-calendar year-outdated.

“It is definitely a difficult situation for Racing Point and Checo (Perez). He is a buddy of mine, an outdated team mate and I desire him a fast restoration. I’ll move in and try out do the finest I can for the team.”

Perez exposed on Friday he had returned to Mexico right after the July 19 Hungarian Grand Prix, the previous race just before the Silverstone double-header, to see his mom who had been hurt in an accident.

That appeared to have caught the Canadian-owned team by shock, with a spokesman saying on Thursday that Perez had not flown back again involving races.

Hulkenberg is set to stay in the car for the seventieth Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone, the weekend right after the British Grand Prix.

Perez’s potential at the significantly-competitive team is currently wanting unsure, regardless of the Mexican acquiring a agreement to 2022, with Ferrari’s four-time entire world champion Sebastian Vettel linked to the seat.