Aston Martin's Vettel hasn't shown negative Covid-19 test needed for Saudi Arabian Grand Prix

Sebastian Vettel - who missed F1's opening race in Bahrain last week - hasn't yet presented authorities with the negative Covid-19 test needed to allow him to travel to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Sports

1 min read

The New Arab Staff & Agencies

24 March, 2022

Sebastian Vettel may be excluded from the upcoming Grand Prix in Saudi Arabia [source: Getty]

Aston Martin's Sebastian Vettel has yet to return a negative test for Covid-19 that will allow him to travel for this weekend's Saudi Arabian Formula One Grand Prix, the team said on Thursday.

The four-times world champion missed the season opener in Bahrain last weekend after testing positive, with reserve driver Nico Hulkenberg replacing him.

Aston Martin said Hulkenberg would be on standby for the race in Jeddah.

"Sebastian Vettel has not yet returned the required negative COVID test to fly to the #SaudiArabiaGP," Aston Martin said on Twitter.

UPDATE: Sebastian Vettel has not yet returned the required negative COVID test to fly to the #SaudiArabiaGP. Nico Hülkenberg will be in Jeddah to deputise for Seb if necessary. We will delay our final decision until Friday to provide Seb every opportunity to race.
— Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) March 24, 2022

"Nico Hulkenberg will be in Jeddah to deputise for Seb if necessary. We will delay our final decision until Friday to provide Seb every opportunity to race."

Hulkenberg finished 17th in Bahrain, while Lance Stroll was 12th.