Robert Kubica will make a surprise return to Formula 1 this weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix.
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The Alfa Romeo reserve driver will step in for Kimi Raikkonen, who has tested positive for COVID-19.
The 41-year-old, who announced this week he will retire from Formula 1 at the end of the season, took part in practice at Zandvoort yesterday. Alfa Romeo said he is “displaying no symptoms and is in good spirits.”
“He has immediately entered isolation in his hotel,” the team added. “The team has carried out an investigation for any close contacts and there is no further impact expected for the team for the remainder of this event.”
Kubica has already driven Alfa Romeo’s C41 during several tests and practice sessions this year. He will have one hour of practice in the car today before qualifying and tomorrow’s race.
This will be Kubica’s first Formula 1 appearance since his 2019 season with Williams, when difficult machinery limited him to a single point in the FW42.
The veteran, who has started 97 Grands Prix, previously raced in Formula 1 from 2006 to 2010 and claimed his sole victory at the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix. His career was interrupted after a serious rally crash in February 2011 on the Ronde di Andora, which left him with reduced mobility in his right arm.
Alfa Romeo’s other reserve driver, 2020 Formula 2 runner-up Callum Ilott, said on social media he “wasn’t scheduled to be there” at Zandvoort this weekend. “That’s just my luck,” Ilott added; he had travelled to the United States this week for an IndyCar test ahead of his planned debut in that series.
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