Hulkenberg to race in place of Vettel again at F1 Saudi Arabian GP

Aston Martin confirmed on Friday morning that Hulkenberg will continue to deputise for the team after Vettel was unable to travel to Saudi Arabia in time for this weekend’s race having failed to return a negative COVID-19 test.

The four-time world champion was forced to miss last week’s season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix after testing positive for the virus. 

Aston Martin reserve driver Hulkenberg subsequently stood in for Vettel, finishing 17th in his first F1 race since the 2020 Eifel Grand Prix. 

The 34-year-old German has not raced full-time in F1 since leaving Renault at the end of the 2019 season but made three substitute appearances in 2020 when Racing Point drivers Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll contracted COVID-19. 

Aston Martin expects Vettel to be fit in time for the Australian Grand Prix on April 10. 

#SaudiArabianGP Update:@HulkHulkenberg will practice, qualify and race alongside @lance_stroll.

Despite lack of mileage in the #AMR22, Nico coped well in Bahrain and we are sure he will do likewise in Jeddah.

We expect Sebastian Vettel to be fit for the #AustralianGP. pic.twitter.com/SgiSYwxZY2

— Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) March 25, 2022