Kubica to continue deputising for Raikkonen at F1 Italian GP

Raikkonen, who is retiring from F1 at the end of the season, was forced to miss last weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort following a positive test for coronavirus.

That resulted in Alfa Romeo’s reserve driver Robert Kubica being drafted in alongside Antonio Giovinazzi to contest his first grand prix since 2019. The 36-year-old Pole finished 15th in Sunday’s Dutch GP.

Alfa Romeo confirmed on Wednesday evening that Raikkonen will once again sit out as he continues to self-isolate at home.

“Kimi missed last week’s race in Zandvoort after testing positive to Covid-19 and has not yet been cleared for a return to racing,” a team statement read.

"As per health authority requirements, he is still isolating in his home. Robert, who performed admirably in the Netherlands after stepping in at short notice before FP3, will return to the car alongside Antonio Giovinazzi.”

It will mark Kubica’s 99th career grand prix at the venue he secured his maiden podium at in 2006 for BMW Sauber.

Kubica will also get his first taste of F1’s new sprint race format, which will get its second running at Monza this weekend.

“First of all, I want to share my best wishes for Kimi: I hope he makes a full recovery and returns to the cockpit soon,” Kubica said.

“I am looking forward to racing in Monza, an incredible track in which I claimed my first podium, in 2006. Unlike Zandvoort, it is a track I know well and this will help, particularly since the Sprint Qualifying weekend format means we will be one practice session short.

“I am happy with what I did in Holland and I can’t wait to help the team out one more time in Monza.”