Silverstone (United Kingdom) (AFP)

The first Formula 1 driver hit by the coronavirus, the Mexican Sergio Perez is sidelined at the worst possible time, his seat being currently coveted by Sebastian Vettel, the four-time German world champion.

A regular Racing Point driver, Perez will not be able to take part in the British Grand Prix on Sunday and, probably, no more in the next one on the same Silverstone circuit on August 9. Replaced at short notice by the German Nico Hülkenberg, he was thus deprived of a chance to defend his place.

Nothing has yet been signed between Sebastian Vettel and Racing Point, formerly known as Force India, but at the time of the bucket waltz rumors are rife.

If it has never been unworthy, the team based close to Silverstone has never fought for the first places, except on very rare occasions. But this year, it is one of the fastest and finds itself 4th in the provisional classification of the world championship after three races.

In addition to their engine already supplied by Mercedes, which has won all the world championships without interruption since 2014, the Racing Point version 2020 is largely inspired by the Mercedes world champion last year with Lewis Hamilton. So much so that the rival Renault speaks of outright copying and has filed a complaint with the International Automobile Federation (FIA) which has not yet ruled.

Suddenly, Vettel, thanked by Ferrari from next year, could be seduced by a seat in the "roses", the color of Racing Point.

- Travel to Mexico -

Perez's teammate is Lance Stroll, son of Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll who is also the team boss. It seems very likely that if there is a need to make room for the German world champion, Sergio Perez will go.

Sebastian Vettel said on Thursday that nothing was done yet and Racing Point manager Otmar Szafnauer stressed on Friday that he was not blaming Perez for anything.

He went to Mexico after the Hungarian Grand Prix held on July 19 to see his ailing mother, his native country also being strongly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

"There is no clause in his contract that requires him to ask permission to visit his family. They are in Mexico and it is therefore not surprising that he has returned there. 'he's been doing it all the time since he's been driving for us. We did however discuss how he would get there and back and he told us it was by private plane so there is no problem with that, "Szafnauer said on Friday.

As for Perez, he can only deplore "one of the saddest days of (his) career".

© 2020 AFP