'Racing Point wants Hulkenberg to replace corona-infected Perez'
F1 News
- GPblog.com
It already became clear on Thursday that Sergio Perez will not participate in the two Grands Prix at Silverstone, but who is his replacement? Where Mercedes reserve drivers are ready, it could also mean the return of Nico Hulkenberg.
Who's replacing Perez?
Perez was quarantined Thursday after his test results were unclear. A second test had to determine whether the Mexican was actually infected with the coronavirus and that turned out to be the case. Because of the quarantine guidelines, Perez now has to spend ten days in quarantine, which means he not only misses this week's Grand Prix, but next week's as well.
Racing Point soon announced that it wants to start with two cars this weekend. The biggest contenders seemed to be Esteban Guttierez and Stoffel Vandoorne. Both are the reserve drivers of Mercedes, but at the same time also those of Racing Point. However, Vandoorne will be in Berlin for the Formula E restart next week.
Hulkenberg to the podium?
Despite the chance to catch a spare driver of Mercedes, Motorsport.com reports that neither of them are an option for Racing Point. The team would like to give Nico Hulkenberg a chance for these two races. The German drove five seasons between 2011 and 2016 for the race team which was then known as Force India, only to move to Renault later on.
It would mean the return of the German who, after leaving Renault at the end of 2019, was unable to find a seat. The fact that Racing Point is currently the second car on the grid could also cause a stunt when the German returns. Can he finally finish on the podium this time?