Aston Martin did not have a great start to the new Formula One season. Not only did the car not progress, star driver Sebastian Vettel testpositive for coronavirus and had to skip the first race of the season. It has now been confirmed that in Saudi Arabia, the four-time world champion will also not get into the car.
New substitute for Hulkenberg
During the Bahrain Grand Prix, Vettel was replaced by "super sub" Nico Hulkenberg. The German has been without a contract for a few years but has been used as a reserve driver several times in recent years. Hulkenberg qualified immediately ahead of teammate Lance Stroll. However, the Aston Martin lacked the speed and Hulkenberg was 17th and last in the race. Stroll did just a little better with a 12th place finish.
Due to the uncertainty of whether Vettel would be better in Saudi Arabia, Hulkenberg travelled to Saudi Arabia just to be sure. Now that Vettel is still positive for the coronavirus, Hulkenberg will once again take place in the Aston Martin. Hopefully for the German he will now have a chance to score points. Vettel will return for the Australian Grand Prix according to the team.