Kimi Raikkonen has been ruled out of Sunday’s Dutch Grand Prix after testing positive for Covid-19.
The 2007 world champion, 41, who this week announced he would be retiring from Formula One at the end of the season, will be replaced by Alfa Romeo reserve driver Robert Kubica.
Raikkonen becomes the seventh driver known to have contracted the virus following Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, Sergio Perez, Charles Leclerc, Lance Stroll and Pierre Gasly.
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
Polish driver Kubica, 36, has taken part in three practice sessions for Alfa Romeo this season.
An F1 spokesperson said: “The FIA, Formula One and Alfa Romeo Racing can today confirm that during onsite PCR testing for the 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.
Jost met with Kimi yesterday but in a socially distanced manner and while he is therefore not a close contact and has been retested with a negative result, Jost and Williams have taken the decision as a precautionary measure to mitigate any potential risk to the team. (2/2) — Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) September 4, 2021
“The procedures set out by the FIA and Formula One will ensure no wider impact on the Dutch Grand Prix.”
Williams team principal Jost Capito is isolating after having dinner with the Alfa Romeo driver on Friday.
A Williams statement read: “Jost met with Kimi yesterday but in a socially distanced manner and while he is therefore not a close contact and has been retested with a negative result, Jost and Williams have taken the decision as a precautionary measure to mitigate any potential risk to the team.”
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