Raikkonen ruled out of Dutch GP after positive Covid-19 test – Kubica to race in his place

Alfa Romeo’s Kimi Raikkonen has tested positive for Covid-19 and will take no further part in this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix.

Raikkonen, who announced on the eve of the race at Zandvoort that he will retire at the end of the season, returned the result at an on-site test.

READ MORE: What Raikkonen’s retirement means for Alfa Romeo’s 2022 line-up – and the rest of the driver market

One of the team's reserve drivers – one-time race winner Robert Kubica – will stand-in for Raikkonen this weekend. Kubica's last Grand Prix was Abu Dhabi 2019. It will be his 98th start and first as an Alfa Romeo race driver.

Raikkonen, 41, is currently isolating in his hotel, with the team saying he is “displaying no symptoms and is in good spirits”.

They added: “The team wishes Kimi a speedy recovery.”

The FIA and F1 said in a statement: “The FIA, Formula 1 and Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN can today confirm that during onsite PCR testing for the 2021 FIA Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix, Kimi Räikkönen has tested positive for COVID-19.

“In accordance with COVID-19 protocols he will take no further part in this Event. All contacts have been declared. The procedures set out by the FIA and Formula 1 will ensure no wider impact on the Dutch Grand Prix.”

READ MORE: 5 things we learned from Friday practice for the Dutch GP

Raikkonen will need a negative test before being allowed to return to the paddock and therefore it remains unclear whether he will be available for next weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

On Kubica stepping in at short notice, the team said: "Robert has been reserve driver of Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN since the start of the 2020 season and has driven the team’s C41 in three practice sessions this year. With 97 Formula One starts to his name and experience with 2021 Formula One machinery, he will be ready for action and to give his best for the team."