McLaren has confirmed Paul di Resta will act as reserve driver should either Carlos Sainz or Lando Norris be unable to race at Silverstone.
The Scot last competed full-time in Formula 1 back in 2013 with Force India but returned for a one-off appearance at the 2017 Hungarian Grand Prix, replacing an unwell Felipe Massa at Williams.
And it is that race which means di Resta is eligible for a superlicence, which all F1 drivers must have, unlike Mercedes’ Esteban Gutierrez, who was also previously expected to be McLaren’s third driver if needed.
Instead, the Mexican falls foul of a new regulation that means all former F1 drivers who haven’t competed in the past three years must complete 300km of testing before again being able to obtain the licence to race.
McLaren has confirmed Di Resta won’t be included in their ‘bubble’ for now but will do so should he be needed to race, though they have no concerns over their current race drivers at this moment.
This sudden focus on reserves though follows Racing Point needing to draft in Nico Hulkenberg last weekend after Sergio Perez tested positive for Covid-19.
Currently, it is unknown if he will be able to race in this weekend’s second race at Silverstonee, with a lack of clarity over the quarantine regulations set out by the UK government.
But on Wednesday, Perez issued an update on his condition stating he was still asymptomatic for the virus.
“I’m fine thank God. I have not had any symptoms,” he said on Instagram.
“This is how I spend my days: Training, iPad, TV, telephone and kitchen. Yes, it’s been long days… looking forward to coming back very soon!
“Thanks to everyone for your support.”
Hulkenberg is ready to stand in again if needed.