Formula One: Vettel doubtful for Saudi Arabia Grand Prix

Sebastian Vettel missed the season opener in Bahrain last weekend after testing positive. PHOTO: AFP

(REUTERS) - Aston Martin's Formula One driver Sebastian Vettel has yet to test negative for Covid-19 and travel for this weekend's race in Saudi Arabia, the team said on Thursday (March 24).

Four-time world champion Vettel, 34, missed the season opener in Bahrain last weekend after testing positive for the virus, with Nico Hulkenberg replacing his fellow German. Hulkenberg finished 17th in Bahrain.

"Sebastian Vettel has not yet returned the required negative Covid test to fly to the #SaudiArabiaGP," Aston Martin F1 team said on Twitter.

"Nico Hulkenberg will be in Jeddah to deputise for Seb if necessary. We will delay our final decision until Friday to provide Seb every opportunity to race."

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