SEBASTIAN VETTEL is out of the Formula One season opener in Bahrain after testing positive for Covid.
The Aston Martin ace had been ready to star at this weekend’s Grand Prix in the Middle East.
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But F1 superstar Vettel will not be able to take part following his positive coronavirus test result.
As a result, it means the German will be replaced in his Aston Martin car by Nico Hulkenberg.
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.
One man who will be racing is McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo.
He missed the whole of last week’s pre-season testing after contracting Covid.
But the Aussie has been passed fit to race after recording two negative results.
Ricciardo beamed: “I’m glad to be back, feeling better and ready for the Bahrain Grand Prix and season ahead.
“I was disappointed to not be in the car last week but despite being unwell, I’ve been able to keep in touch with the team, chat to Lando about the car and prepare as best as I can for the race weekend.
“I want to maximise the practice sessions to better understand the car and fine tune everything ready for qualifying and lights out on Sunday.
“It’s hard to know where we’ll be on the grid but it’s going to be competitive and I’m hungry to get back in the car and go racing.”
