09/04/2021 6:06 AM
Clarín.com
sports
Updated 09/04/2021 6:06 AM
The Finnish Kimi Raikkonen (Alfa Romeo), Formula 1 world champion in 2007 with Ferrari, tested positive for coronavirus during the
Netherlands Grand Prix
, as announced this Saturday by the International Automobile Federation (FIA), and his position in the team was occupied by the Polish
Robert Kubica
.
"The FIA, Formula 1 and Alfa Romeo Racing confirm that in the PCR tests carried out for the Dutch GP Kimi Raikkonen
has tested positive for Covid-19.
According to the protocols, he will not continue to participate in the competition. All contacts have been declared, "they reported through a statement.
Likewise, the FIA specified that "the established procedures ensure that
it will not have a major impact on the Dutch GP."
Instead, the Polish Robert Kubica will take the wheel of Alfa Romeo, as announced by the team, according to which Raikkonen
is asymptomatic.
"Kimi does not present any symptoms and
is in good spirits
. He was immediately isolated at his hotel. The team wishes him a speedy recovery," they explained.
In this way, Alfa Romeo was forced to turn to its
reserve driver
, who already participated in three free practice sessions this season.
Raikkonen, the seventh F1 driver to be infected with coronavirus, will also have a difficult time participating in the Italian GP, next week at the Monza circuit.
Before Raikkonen, the Mexican
Sergio Pérez
, the Canadian
Lance Stroll
, the British Lewis Hamilton - world champion - and
Lando Norris
, the Monegasque Charles Leclerc and the French
Pierre Gasly
tested positive
.
Last Wednesday, the Alfa Romeo starting driver announced on his social networks that he will retire from the premier class of motorsport as soon as this season ends.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Kimi Räikkönen (@kimimatiasraikkonen)
"This is it. This will be my last season in Formula One,"
the 41-year-old wrote.
With a total of 341, the Finn is
the driver with the highest number of races contested
in the motorsport honors division, in which he debuted in 2001 and in which he has 21 victories, 18 'pole positions and 46 fastest laps.
With information from EFE.
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