Shock as F1 world champion forced out of season-opening Grand Prix

Sebastian Vettel has been replaced by a blast-from-the-past driver for the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, his team has confirmed.

Four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel has tested positive for Covid-19 and will be replaced by Nico Hulkenberg for the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix, the Aston Martin team confirmed.

German veteran Vettel, 34, is the second driver after Daniel Ricciardo to test positive for coronavirus since pre-season testing began, but the McLaren driver will be fit to race.

Watch Every Practice, Qualifying & Race of the 2022 FIA Formula One World Championship Live, starting with the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix From March 18. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

Aston Martin released a statement on Thursday night.

“Sebastian Vettel has tested positive for Covid-19 and will not therefore be taking part in the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix,” the team announced.

Aston Martin's German driver Sebastian Vettel in pre-season testing. Photo by Giuseppe CACACE / AFP.

“Replacing him in the AMR22 will be Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant Formula One Team reserve driver Nico Hulkenberg, who will be in the car from FP1 onwards.”

Aston Martin’s reserve driver Hulkenberg, 34, last competed in F1 in 2020.

F1 has made it compulsory for all drivers and team personnel to be vaccinated this year.

Nico Hulkenberg. Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images.

The former Renault star is Aston Martin’s official reserve driver.

And he will line up alongside Lance Stroll this weekend.

It now remains to be seen if Vettel recovers in time for the Saudi Arabia GP later this month.

— AFP