Racing Point has announced Nico Hulkenberg will replace Sergio Perez for the upcoming Formula 1 doubleheader at Silverstone.
His return comes after the Mexican tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix, this following a trip home to see his mother, who had been in hospital with an injury.
And because of health protocols in the UK, Perez will now have to spend 10 days in isolation, meaning he will also miss the 70th Anniversary GP, also at Silverstone, in a week’s time.
Thank you everyone for your support and stay safe! ? pic.twitter.com/9IjDKMaWy3
— Sergio Pérez (@SChecoPerez) July 31, 2020
Normally, Racing Point would call on one of Mercedes’ reserve drivers to fill the seat.
However, Stoffel Vandoorne is currently preparing for Formula E’s hectic run of six races in nine days in Berlin to complete their 2019/2020 season, while Esteban Gutierrez is understood not to have the necessary superlicence to compete in F1, having last raced with Haas back in 2016.
“Having to find a replacement for Sergio at short notice is no easy task, but in Nico, we’ve got a fantastic super-sub who the team knows very well,” CEO Otmar Szafnauer said.
“He’s certainly being thrown in at the deep end, but he’s a fast learner and I’m sure he will get up to speed quickly.”
Hulkenberg is also understood to have been the first choice of team owner Lawrence Stroll because of his more recent F1 experience, having only left Renault at the end of last year.
“I was on my way to the Nürburgring for another racing project when the call from Otmar [Szafnauer] came,” Nico revealed.
“That was less than 24 hours ago, so it feels a bit surreal for me right now, but I like a good challenge and this is certainly one.
“It’s obviously a difficult situation for Racing Point and Checo. He’s a buddy of mine, an old team-mate and I wish him a speedy recovery. I’ll step in and try do the best I can for the team!”
And with Racing Point enjoying a strong start to the season thanks to their so-called ‘Pink Mercedes’, maybe just maybe, Hulkenberg has one final chance to score that elusive first F1 podium.
