Perez out of F1 British GP after positive COVID-19 test

Racing Point Formula 1 driver Sergio Perez has tested positive for COVID-19 and will not race at this weekend's British Grand Prix. 

The Mexican had to be re-tested ahead of this weekend's race at Silverstone after his initial test came back "inconclusive". Perez subsequently skipped Thursday's media day and observed a period of self-isolation away from the circuit. It has now been confirmed that the result of his second test is positive, rulling him out of the British Grand Prix. 

F1 confirmed the positive test but stressed that the British Grand Prix will go ahead as planned as Perez is quarantining, as well as all personnel he came into contact with. 

"Following today’s announcement that Sergio Perez of the BWT Racing Point Formula 1 Team produced an inconclusive test result for COVID-19 at the Silverstone Circuit ahead of the 2020 FIA Formula 1 British Grand Prix, the FIA and Formula 1 can now confirm that the result of his re-test is positive," an statement released by F1 read.

"Perez has entered self-quarantine in accordance with the instructions of the relevant public health authorities, and will continue to follow the procedure mandated by those authorities.

"With assistance of the local organiser of the British Grand Prix, local health authorities and the FIA COVID-19 delegate, a full track and trace initiative has been undertaken and all close contacts have been quarantined.

"The procedures set out by the FIA and Formula 1 have provided for swift containment of an incident that will have no wider impact on this weekend’s event." 

Racing Point said it intends to contest this weekend's race with two cars and will confirm its next steps in due course.

The Silverstone-based outfit could turn to Mercedes reserve driver Esteban Gutierrez or Stoffel Vandoorne to replace Perez, although the latter's preparations for the Formula E season finale in Berlin complicate the situation. 

"Following the announcement that Sergio has tested positive for COVID-19 at the Silverstone Circuit ahead of the Formula 1 Pirelli British Grand Prix, the team regrets to announce that he will be unable to participate in this weekend’s race," a team statement read. 
 
"Sergio is physically well and in good spirits, but he will continue to self-isolate under the guidelines of the relevant public health authorities, with safety the ultimate priority for the team and the sport.
 
"The entire team wishes Sergio well and looks forward to welcoming him back into the cockpit of the RP20 soon. Our intention is to race two cars on Sunday. We will communicate the next steps for our British Grand Prix weekend in due course." 

On Thursday, the UK increased the self-isolation period for anyone testing positive for COVID-19 from seven to ten days, meaning Perez could potentially also miss next week's 70th Anniversary Grand Prix.