Racing Point says it is awaiting clarification on whether Sergio Perez will be able to return to Formula 1 action at this weekend’s 70th Anniversary Grand Prix.
Perez was not permitted entry to the British Grand Prix paddock on Thursday after returning an inconclusive Covid-19 test, and a second test confirmed that he had picked up the virus.
He is currently self-isolating in an apartment, while his PA and trainer – who returned negative tests – are also quarantining as a precaution.
Last Thursday the UK government changed its regulations regarding self-isolating after returning a positive result, increasing the period of time from seven to 10 days.
Perez’s initial inconclusive test was carried out on Wednesday – when the quarantine period was seven days – and thus in theory he could be cleared to return for the second Silverstone event this weekend, so long as he also returns two negative tests.
“The little bit of confusion is because it was on that cusp and the inconclusive test was only inconclusive by FIA standards,” said Racing Point boss Otmar Szafnauer.
“By National Health England standards, that inconclusive test would have been a positive.
“Yyou can look at it and say it’s the National Health England standards and he was positive on Wednesday already, and on Wednesday you had to quarantine for seven days, and it may not be the 10 days that came in the following day may or may not be retroactive, that’s the bit I don’t know.
“We will ask that question of National Health England and whatever they say, that’s what we’ll do, we’ll comply with whatever they deem is right in this situation but the ambiguity comes in because it was just on that transition point.”
Racing Point has Nico Hulkenberg on standby to partner Lance Stroll again if Perez is ruled out.
“We just need to have clear guidance and once we get that, we’ll do what’s right,” said Szafnauer.
“Not to mention if Checo still has virus in his system, we don’t want him in the paddock either.
“We’ve got to protect our team and everyone else in the sport and that’s exactly what we’ll do.
“So even if National Health England say it’s seven days and he can come in on Thursday or Friday, we still will test him for virus in his system and he’s got to have none.”
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