Raikkonen out of Dutch GP after positive COVID-19 test, Kubica drafted in
Raikkonen, who announced he will retire from F1 at the end of the season earlier this week, had taken part in Friday practice at Zandvoort but returned a positive COVID-19 result in the latest round of the team’s testing.
Alfa Romeo confirmed in a statement that Raikkonen is “displaying no symptoms and is in good spirits”.
“The team has carried out an investigation for any close contracts and there is no further impact expected for the team for the remainder of this event,” the statement continued.
“Alfa Romeo Racing Orlen wishes Kimi a speedy recovery.”
With the 41-year-old Finn forced into a period of isolation in his hotel, Kubica has been drafted in to substitute for Raikkonen for the rest of the weekend.
It marks an unlikely return to grand prix action for the 36-year-old Pole, who last raced in F1 in 2019 having made a remarkable comeback to the sport with Williams.
Kubica has acted as Alfa Romeo’s test and reserve driver ever since losing his Williams drive and has taken part in three practice outings for the team so far this year in Spain, Austria and Hungary.
Kubica previously raced for Alfa Romeo under its BMW Sauber guise between 2006-2009, picking up one victory at the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix.
Lewis regularly attends Grands Prix for Crash.net around the world. Often reporting on the action from the ground, Lewis tells the stories of the people who matter in the sport.
