Kimi Raikkonen received permission to break hotel isolation and return home after testing positive to covid and sitting out the Dutch GP. According to Swiss broadcaster SRF, the retiring Alfa Romeo driver was fully vaccinated with Pfizer in March and April. As the chequered flag flew on Sunday, with Robert Kubica crossing the line 15th in the Finn’s car, Raikkonen received permission from Dutch and Swiss authorities to fly home on a private plane. It is strongly rumoured that Vasseur will replace the retiring Raikkonen next year with another Finn – the likely Mercedes refugee Valtteri Bottas. “We do not choose drivers according to nationality,” Vasseur laughed when asked about the Bottas rumours.

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