Camila Sosa
After the victory of Charles Leclerc in the first Grand Prix of the season held in Bahrain, the absence of Sebastian Vettel was very evident for the Aston Martin team which scored no points in this race, having Lance Stroll in position 12 and Vettel’s replacement, his compatriot Nico Hulkenberg, who tested his team’s new car for the first time on Friday and achieved the 17th position.
With the 34-year-old driver’s positive diagnosis coming last Thursday, Vettel would be expected to return for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix to be held this weekend, but team principal Mike Krack was not so clear due to Vettel’s slow recovery in recent days. In addition, he also commented on the process of both COVID protocols that the veteran had to follow.
“He was participating in the medical check-ups and sounded much less affected than a couple of days ago, however, we do not know (he will be present in Saudi Arabia). We will see in the coming days how he progresses and we hope he will be back very soon.
You must follow both protocols (both Formula 1’s and Saudi Arabia’s) before returning, but to be honest I am not 100% aware of Saudi regulations. If you test negative on your next test, everything will be much easier. Better to have it now than in two weeks from today.”
Mike Crack, director of Aston Martin.
Vettel was the second driver affected within two weeks of the first case in Formula 1, with McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo missing preliminary practices at the Bahrain Grand Prix but returning in time to contest the race (finishing in 14th position, accompanying teammate Lando Norris who finished in 15th place).
With Ferrari winning and points scored by Mercedes, Haas, Alfa Romeo and Alpine, Aston Martin must respond as soon as possible in the next race if they start the campaign with a considerable difference in the Constructors’ Championship, meanwhile Vettel must also do his best not to lose the mark with his other competitors.
