Sergio Perez cleared for F1 return in Spain following negative coronavirus test

The Mexican driver, 30, missed both the British and 70th Anniversary Grands Prix at Silverstone.

BREAKING: @SChecoPerez will return for the #SpanishGP, confirm @RacingPointF1 pic.twitter.com/ZvpHRKHyQb

— Formula 1 (@F1) August 13, 2020

But his Racing Point team confirmed on Thursday that he has been given the green light by the FIA to contest this weekend’s round at the Circuit de Catalunya.

Perez became the first Formula One driver to go down with coronavirus after he tested positive on the eve of last month’s British Grand Prix.

Racing Point said: “We’re pleased to share the news that @SChecoPerez has tested negative for COVID-19.

Nico Hulkenberg deputised for Perez at Silverstone (Dan Istitene/AP)

“The FIA have confirmed that Checo can return to the F1 paddock and he will compete for the team in this weekend’s Spanish GP.”

Nico Hulkenberg impressed as a stand-in for Perez. He qualified third last weekend at Silverstone before finishing seventh.

Perez is due to appear in front of the media in Barcelona later on Thursday.