F1: Kimi Raikkonen Tests Positive For COVID-19, Kubrica To Race Instead

Alfa Romeo's Kimi Raikkonen has tested positive for COVID19 ahead of the Dutch GP. This comes after the 41-year-old announced his retirement from the sport after 20 years where he became a world champion with Ferrari in 2007 and became the most experienced driver with most race starts of all time. Alfa Romeo's reserve driver Robert Kubria will instead take part in qualifying and the race partnering Antonio Giovinazzi. 

Kimi Raikkonen has been with the Alfa Romeo F1 team since 2019
Photo Credit: AFP

"The FIA, Formula 1 and Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN can today confirm that during onsite PCR testing for the 2021 FIA Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix, Kimi Raikkonen has tested positive for COVID-19. In accordance with COVID-19 protocols he will take no further part in this event. All contacts have been declared. The procedures set out by the FIA and Formula 1 will ensure no wider impact on the Dutch Grand Prix," said the FIA in a statement. 

BREAKING: Kimi Raikkonen will miss the Dutch Grand Prix after testing positive for Covid-19

Wishing you a speedy recovery Kimi, look forward to seeing you back on track soon!#DutchGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/nSeZvUaHu5

— Formula 1 (@F1) September 4, 2021

The team has revealed that Raikkonen hasn't displayed any symptoms per se and is seemingly in good spirits. 

Also Read: Raikkonen To Retire At The End Of 2021 Season 

"Reserve driver Robert Kubica will compete in this weekend's Dutch GP,' said a brief statement from the team. Robert, in car #88, will take the place of Kimi Raikkonen, who tested positive to Covid-19," said the team in a series of social media posts. 

The Dutch GP returns after a hiatus of 36 years to Zandvoort and this would've been Raikkonen's first and last Dutch GP, but now that's not going to happen. Raikkonen's positive test also means that he is unlikely to take part even in the Italian GP which is happening next week. This would be an unfortunate situation for the Tifosi as the Finn remains the last Ferrari world champion and was with the team till the end of 2018.