Hulkenberg back in hot seat after Perez tests positive again
NIKO HULKENBERG will once again sit in for Sergio Perez at this weekend’s 70th Anniversary Grand Prix at Silverstone after the Mexican this morning returned another positive test for coronavirus.
Racing Point’s Perez has been in quarantine for a week following last week’s positive result which saw him miss the British Grand Prix. He had hoped to return, having been given the all-clear by Public Health England so long as a negative test was returned.
Perez, the first Formula One driver to test positive for Covid-19, contracted the virus when visiting his mother in Mexico following last month’s Hungarian Grand Prix. A statement from Racing Point this morning said he was “physically well and recovering”.
Hulkenberg gave up his commentating duties for a German broadcaster to drive last weekend and qualified 13th, but he failed to start the race following a technical failure.
Racing Point were also today fined €400,000 (£361,000) by the sport’s governing body and deducted 15 points in the constructors’ championship.
The FIA were following up complaints from Renault, who had protested at the last three races that the brake ducts used by Racing Point were a copy of those on the 2019 title-winning Mercedes.
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton has put the brakes on any new contract talks with Mercedes, stating he feels uncomfortable sealing a big-money deal during the pandemic.
After sealing a record seventh British Grand Prix victory last weekend, Hamilton heads into Sunday’s race with a 30-point lead over team-mate Valtteri Bottas, who extended his deal with Mercedes for a fifth season yesterday.
However, Hamilton, well on course for his record-equalling seventh world title, will not countenance contract talks during the pandemic, despite his £40million-a-year deal being up for renewal in five months’ time.
“It doesn’t feel like the right time,” he said. “When you think about so many people who have lost jobs, to negotiate a big contract doesn’t feel like the most important thing to do at this second.”
Hamilton has not held talks with any other manufacturer and is certain he will continue with Mercedes.
Not only is the 35-year-old pushing for another title, but as F1’s only black driver, he is leading their push against racism. “It’s a special year and I don’t take that lightly,” said Hamilton. “To fight for a championship in a time like this is empowering and exciting.”