Mexican F1 Driver Sergio Perez Tests Positive for COVID-19, Ruled Out of British Grand Prix

The announcement came Thursday after the driver's Racing Point team initially made F1 officials aware of an "inconclusive" test that came from Perez earlier in the day; however, a second test later confirmed that the Guadalajaran driver was positive for the coronavirus.

A joint statement issued by F1 and the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) has indicated that Perez has entered into a state of self-quarantine. A small group from the racing team that were in contact with the driver have also self-isolated pending a new COVID-19 test.

"With assistance of the local organizer of the British Grand Prix, local health authorities and the FIA COVID-19 delegate, a full track and trace initiative has been undertaken and all close contacts have been quarantined," reads the release.

"The procedures set out by the FIA and Formula 1 have provided for swift containment of an incident that will have no wider impact on this weekend’s event."

Perez is the first driver to test positive for COVID-19 since F1 started its modified racing schedule in early July.

Although Perez will be sitting out of the Sunday race, reports have suggested that the Racing Point team will still be running two cars on the UK's Silverstone Circuit.