Kubica set to replace Räikkönen at the Italian Grand Prix

After making his return at last weekend's Dutch Grand Prix, Robert Kubica will continue to deputise for Kimi Räikkönen at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix.

Following his positive Covid-19 test last week, Kimi Raikkonen was forced to sit out last week's race at Zandvoort. He was believed to be able to return to race action this weekend when the field descends in Monza for the Italian Grand Prix, but the Alfa Romeo Racing outfit has announced that the Espoo-born driver will miss Round 13 of the 2021 F1 season as well.

Kubica delivered a flawless performance at Zandvoort, making no mistakes despite not taking part in either of the Frriday practice session. The Polish driver finished 15th, one place behind his team mate Antonio Giovinazzi.

Commenting on the announcement, Kubica said: “First of all, I want to share my best wishes for Kimi: I hope he makes a full recovery and returns to the cockpit soon. I am looking forward to racing in Monza, an incredible track in which I claimed my first podium, in 2006.

"Unlike Zandvoort, it is a track I know well and this will help, particularly since the Sprint Qualifying weekend format means we will be one practice session short. I am happy with what I did in Holland and I can’t wait to help the team out one more time in Monza," the Krakow-born driver concluded.