Alfa Romeo reserve driver Robert Kubica will continue standing in for Kimi Raikkonen this weekend at Monza.
This comes after Kimi Raikkonen tested positive for Covid-19 last week and has not yet been cleared to race. Kimi’s PCR test came in positive on Saturday morning despite running both Friday’s practice sessions at Zandvoort. This led to Kubica being called in a short notice to replace the Finn. Last weekend was the Pole’s first race in F1 since Abu Dhabi GP back in 2019 racing for Williams.
However, it was not the first time for Kubica to drive the Alfa Romeo C41 as he has been taking part in several free practice sessions with the car this season. Zandvoort’s twisty layout presented a challenge for the 36-year-old but despite the circumstances he was able to finish last Sunday’s race ranking P15.
“First of all, I want to share my best wishes for Kimi: I hope he makes a full recovery and returns to the cockpit soon,” said Kubica.
“I am looking forward to racing in Monza, an incredible track in which I claimed my first podium, in 2006.
“Unlike Zandvoort, it is a track I know well and this will help, particularly since the Sprint Qualifying weekend format means we will be one practice session short.
“I am happy with what I did in Holland and I can’t wait to help the team out one more time in Monza.”
Alfa Romeo announced that Raikkonen is still isolating at home and will be back on the grid at Sochi for his final races in F1 as he awaits retirement at the end of the season.
