With the coronavirus lurking, it is possible that a driver may have to miss a Grand Prix in 2021 due to a positive test. All teams have contracted a reserve driver, but which drivers would be ready to fill in for one or two Grands Prix in this possible scenario?
Mercedes have taken no half measures, as the German racing team has no less than three reserve drivers at their disposal this season. Stoffel Vandoorne, Nico Hulkenberg and Stoffel de Vries are all candidates to temporarily replace Lewis Hamilton or Valtteri Bottas in their absence.
Hulkenberg is not only Mercedes' test driver. The experienced German is also ready to help out McLaren and Aston Martin. Red Bull Racing have chosen Alexander Albon as test and reserve driver for 2021. AlphaTauri will also be able to call on the Thai driver should one of their two drivers drop out.
What about the rest of the midfield?
Daniil Kvyat, who was dropped by AlphaTauri, has found a home with French company Alpine, while Ferrari are relying on two reserve drivers. Alfa Romeo's Antonio Giovinazzi can hope for a temporary promotion, but Callum Illot is also an option for Mattia Binotto. Should Ferrari opt for Giovinazzi, Robert Kubica is ready to step in at Alfa Romeo.
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At Williams it is Jack Aitken (who replaced George Russell twice last year) who will once again be on hand if needed. Pietro Fittipaldi is once the option for Haas F1.
Reserve drivers Formula 1 2021
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Overview
Friday 27.03.26
Practice 1
02:30 AM
Practice 2
06:00 AM
Saturday 28.03.26
Practice 3
02:30 AM
Qualification
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Sunday 29.03.26
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05:00 AM
Friday 27.03.26
Practice 1
Fri 02:30 AM
Practice 2
Fri 06:00 AM
Saturday 28.03.26
Practice 3
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Qualification
Sat 06:00 AM
Sunday 29.03.26
Race
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F1-stand 2026
Season
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | MercedesMER | 51 | |
2 | MercedesMER | 47 | |
3 | FerrariFER | 34 | |
4 | FerrariFER | 33 | |
5 | HaasHAA | 17 | |
6 | McLarenMCL | 15 | |
7 | AlpineALP | 9 | |
8 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 8 | |
9 | Racing BullsRCB | 8 | |
10 | Racing BullsRCB | 4 |
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