Perez returns to Racing Point for F1 Spanish GP

Sergio Perez will return to Formula 1 action for Racing Point at this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix after testing negative for COVID-19.

The Mexican was forced to miss the British and 70th Anniversary Grands Prix at Silverstone after becoming the first F1 driver to test positive for coronavirus, which he is understood to have contracted during a trip home to Mexico to see his injured mother between races in Hungary and Great Britain.

Perez was subsequently ruled out of the Silverstone double-header and was replaced by Nico Hulkenberg, who made a shock return to the F1 grid for two races as stand-in at Racing Point.

The 32-year-old German failed to take the start at the British Grand Prix due to a reliability issue but finished seventh in his first F1 race outing since the 2019 season finale in Abu Dhabi.

Racing Point had hoped Perez would be able to return for the second Silverstone event as he was asymptomatic, but he returned a second positive test for COVID-19 ahead of the 70th Anniversary Grand Prix, meaning Hulkenberg continued to deputise for him.

But after finally producing a negative test, Perez has now been cleared to return to the F1 paddock and compete at this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

“We’re pleased to share the news that Sergio Perez has tested negative for COVID-19,” a Racing Point statement read.

“The FIA have confirmed that Checo can return to the F1 paddock and he will compete for the team in this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix.”

Perez currently lies eighth in the drivers’ world championship on 22 points, six points behind Racing Point teammate Lance Stroll.

Racing Point have also confirmed they will appeal against its punishment in F1's 'copying' saga.