By Can Erozden
ANKARA (AA) – Aston Martin driver Sebastian Vettel cannot compete in the Formula One season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday as he tested positive for the coronavirus on Thursday, the British team confirmed.
Aston Martin said on Twitter that its reserve driver Nico Hulkenberg will replace Vettel.
Vettel, 34, is also unavailable for the Friday practice and Saturday's qualifying.
He won four titles in the Formula One in 2010-2013.
The 2022 F1 season will kick off in Bahrain's Sakhir as the competitors will drive over 57 laps at the 5.4-kilometer (3.3-mile) Bahrain International Circuit on Sunday.