Formula 1 veteran Kimi Raikkonen of Alfa Romeo has tested positive to COVID-19 and will not compete in the Dutch Grand Prix, set to be held tomorrow night (AEST).
Raikkonen has been replaced by reserve driver Robert Kubica of Poland.
Williams team principal Jost Capito had dinner with Raikkonen last night and has therefore been forced to isolate in his hotel room, after being identified as a close contact.
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Raikkonen’s positive test comes less than a week after the Finnish racer, who’s featured in a record 341 grands prix, announced his retirement from the sport.
“Following the latest round of testing conducted in advance of the Dutch Grand Prix, driver Kimi Raikkonen has tested positive for COVID-19,” Alfa Romeo posted on Twitter.
“Kimi is displaying no symptoms and is in good spirits.
“He has immediately entered isolation in his hotel.
“The team wishes Kimi a speedy recovery.”
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The FIA also released a statement on Raikkonen’s positive test, saying: “The procedures set out by the FIA and Formula 1 will ensure no wider impact on the Dutch Grand Prix.”
The positive test means Raikkonen will finish his 20-year career having not raced in Formula 1 at Zandvoort.
This weekend marks the first time the world championship has touched down in the Dutch sand dunes since 1985.
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Raikkonen won the world championship in 2007, has recorded 21 race victories and has registered the fastest lap on 46 occasions, the third-most of all time.
The 41-year-old has also had 103 podium finishes, which is the fifth-most in history.
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