SEBASTIAN VETTEL is OUT of the Saudi Arabia GP as he continues his recovery from Covid.
Nico Hulkenberg will take the four-time world champion’s place for the second race of the season, just like he did for the opener in Bahrain.
Hulkenberg will continue in the Aston Martin car for the start of the season
Vettel is continuing his recovery from coronavirus
A statement from the Aston Martin team read: “#SaudiArabianGP Update: @HulkHulkenberg will practice, qualify and race alongside @lance_stroll.
“Despite lack of mileage in the #AMR22, Nico coped well in Bahrain and we are sure he will do likewise in Jeddah.
“We expect Sebastian Vettel to be fit for the #AustralianGP.”
Hulkenberg finished 17th in the Bahrain GP – last place aside from those who failed to finish.
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His team-mate Lance Stroll faired a little better than the German but still struggled to get to grips with the new car.
He eventually secured 12th place – meaning Aston Martin failed to pick up any points.
It was a statement weekend for Ferrari who bossed both qualifying and the race.
Charles Leclerc took victory from pole position and he was helped to a one-two by team-mate Carlos Sainz.
Lewis Hamilton clinched an impressive place on the podium following a difficult weekend in the Mercedes car.
But it was a nightmare start for Red Bull as both Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez suffered reliability issues inside the final three laps – ending their hopes of a top three finish.
The Saudi Arabia GP made its debut in F1 last season as Hamilton won the race ahead of Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas.
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