SILVERSTONE, U.K. – Sergio Perez has tested positive for COVID-19 at the Silverstone Circuit ahead of the Formula 1 Pirelli British Grand Prix and will sit out the race weekend.
The news was confirmed by BWT Racing Point Formula One officials on Thursday afternoon.
“Sergio is physically well and in good spirits, but 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,” team officials said in a statement. “The entire team wishes Sergio well and looks forward to welcoming him back into the cockpit of the RP20 soon.”
According to the team statement, Racing Point intends to field two cars on the grid Sunday for the British Grand Prix. News on Perez’s substitute will be announced in due course.
Perez was off to one of the best starts to a second in his Formula One career, with finishes of sixth, sixth and seventh in the first three rounds of the pandemic-delayed season.
The 30-year-old from Guadalajara, Mexico, ranked fifth in the driver’s championship, four points ahead of Canadian teammate Lance Stroll.