Vettel tests positive for Covid-19, Hulkenberg announced as replacement

Published on 18 March 2022 by Stefan Meens

Sebastian Vettel has tested positive for Covid-19, meaning the German will miss the season opener of the 2022 Formula 1 World Championship. Aston Martin announced Nico Hülkenberg, the team's official reserve driver, as Vettel's replacement for the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Hülkenberg contested his last full season in 2019, when he drove for Renault. In 2020, the German stood in for Sergio Perez during the two Grands Prix helt at Silverstone, as well as replacing Lance Stroll during the Eiffel Grand Prix in the same year, following positive tests for both Racing Point drivers.

McLaren's Daniel Ricciardo, who missed the Bahrain pre-season test due to Covid-19, is back in time to particpate in this weekend's Grand Prix.