Silverstone (United Kingdom) (AFP)

Mexican Formula 1 driver Sergio Pérez has tested positive for Covid-19 and is withdrawn from the British Grand Prix this weekend, organizers and his team, Racing Point announced Thursday.

"Sergio is physically well and in good spirits, but he will have to remain confined under the directives of the competent public health authorities, with safety being the priority for the team and the sport," the British team said.

The Mexican is the first F1 driver to test positive for Covid-19 since the start of this completely upset season, on July 5 in Austria.

He had already been placed in solitary confinement after a first "inconclusive" test on the eve of the first free practice for the 4th Grand Prix of the season at the Silvestone circuit.

According to his team, Pérez has not returned to his country since the Hungarian Grand Prix ten days ago.

His Canadian teammate Lance Stroll was the only Racing Point rider present at Thursday's press conference.

Since the introduction of screening tests at the end of June, only two cases have tested positive and concerned employees of the Hungarian circuit.

Formula One general manager Chase Carey had said ahead of the inaugural Grand Prix that no race would be canceled if a positive case was found.

The anti-coronavirus protocol established by Formula One, the organizer of the championship, provides for all F1 staff to be tested before each Grand Prix and every five days. To date, more than 15,000 tests have been performed.

The 30-year-old Sergi Pérez is expected to be replaced by his team-mate and compatriot Esteban Gutierrez or by Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne for Sunday's race.

After the first three races (Austria, Styria and Hungary), contested behind closed doors, Pérez occupies sixth place in the drivers' standings.

© 2020 AFP