German driver Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin) tested positive for corona a few days before the opening race in Bahrain and was excluded from participation. The team has had its compatriot Nico Hulkenberg flown in as a replacement. Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren) was absent from the test races in Bahrain last week due to a corona infection. The Australian has recovered and will be in action on Friday in the first training sessions.
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Sergio Pérez believes that a positive test does not necessarily mean ‘the end of the race weekend’.
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Pérez himself missed two races in 2020 because he contracted corona. He thinks the reins could be a bit looser now. The corona rules in Formula 1 have been relaxed considerably this season. Mandatory testing has been scrapped, but most teams still keep their own rules. In Great Britain, even if they test positive, people can decide for themselves whether they go to work.
“We need to discuss whether we will allow drivers to race in the future if the symptoms are mild. The drivers can of course judge that for themselves,” says Pérez. “You try to avoid getting infected, but luck plays a big role. I really feel for Sebastian and Daniel, but it can happen to anyone.”
Ricciardo said he could not have driven. ,,I had a very hard time driving a Formula 1 car last week, but that can vary from case to case of course. If someone is fit enough despite corona, maybe they could take a fitness test or something?”
Solution
Vatteri Bottas, currently driving for Alfa Romeo, believes that drivers should be able to decide for themselves. “But only if extra protocols are observed, so that the virus cannot spread further.”
Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz already had a solution ready. “You can do the team discussions digitally from your hotel room and then arrive at the track fifteen minutes before the session, wearing your suit and helmet. I would hate to miss a race when I’m feeling good.”
Max Verstappen during an interview.
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Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen said that he thinks it is important that the consequences are carefully considered. “As a driver you always want to race, of course, but in a case like this you have to get medical advice anyway and see what might be possible in the future together with the FIA.”
Mick Schumacher is not in favor of it anyway. “Corona still poses a risk to many people and I don’t want to be someone who puts others at risk.
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delete
The option to have a race result deleted, so that corona does not affect the world championship too much, is not a solution in the eyes of the drivers. “No, unfortunately bad luck is part of it,” said Verstappen. “Hopefully Sebastian is feeling well, that is of course much more important than a race.”