Publications
• Racing Point's Sergio Perez tested positive for Covid-19 his team confirmed
• The Mexican driver will not compete this weekend and is self-isolating
• He underwent two tests on Thursday, the second test showed a positive result
Sergio Perez is the first Formula 1 driver to have tested positive for Covid-19 and will not race at the British Grand Prix, his Racing Point team confirmed.
The Mexican driver's first test on Thursday draw an 'inconclusive' result on Thursday, a second test conducted later that day confirmed a positive result. He is self-isolating.
On Friday the Racing Point driver revealed, via video on Twitter, that he had gone to Mexico with a private jet to visit his mother who had suffered an accident.
The 30-year-old said: "As soon as she left hospital. I was able to see her. And then I came back to Europe. Same way, with all the protocols in place. I just got it, I don’t know from where. I have no symptoms at all."
Perez said he was to miss the race this weekend after all the preparation the team had put into the race.
"I'm really sad this happened, and it just shows how vulnerable of this virus," he said.
Self isolating
"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," a team statement read.
The team said it is their intention to race two cars on Sunday for the race at the Silverstone Circuit and will announce further details.
Formula 1 and FIA put out a statement on Thursday and said: "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," the statement said.
Thank you everyone for your support and stay safe! ?? pic.twitter.com/9IjDKMaWy3
— Sergio Pérez (@SChecoPerez) July 31, 2020
