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Soon-to-retire Raikkonen out of the Dutch GP after positive Covid test

Sports Desk, Sep 4 (EFE).- Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen will miss out on the Dutch Grand Prix this weekend after testing positive for Covid-19, Formula One said in a statement.

The Alfa Romeo racer is asymptomatic and in “good spirits,” the statement added.

“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 Raikkonen 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.”

The 41-year-old, the most veteran driver still active in F1, will need to test negative before he can compete in next week’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

The Finn, who announced ahead of the event at Zandvoort this weekend that he would retire at the end of the season, will be replaced by Alfa Romeo reserve driver Robert Kubica in the Netherlands.

Local star Max Verstappen (Red Bull) is looking to snatch 1st place on the leaderboard from Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton on Sunday.

Hamilton’s Mercedes suffered technical issues in Friday’s second free practice session, while Ferrari headed a 1-2 with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.

The grid for the Dutch Grand Prix will be decided in Saturday’s qualifying session. EFE

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