Sergio Perez says F1 drivers should be able to race with Covid-19 following Sebastian Vettel's positive test

Sergio Perez (right) believes there should be "discussions" over whether F1 drivers can compete with Covid-19 following Sebastian Vettel's (left) positive test

Sergio Perez believes Formula 1 drivers should be able to race with Covid-19 so long as their symptoms are not severe.

Four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel has been ruled out of the season-opening Bahrain GP after testing positive for the virus on the eve of Friday's first practice.

Vettel, who will be replaced by Nico Hulkenberg at Aston Martin, is the second F1 driver in the last week to contract Covid, with Daniel Ricciardo having been forced out of the final test at McLaren.

Red Bull driver Perez missed two races in 2020 due to Covid-19 and believes exceptions should be made in certain circumstances.

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Craig Slater is joined by Martin Brundle to discuss Sebastian Vettel's positive COVID test for Aston Martin and what restrictions F1 could be doing to stop the spread through the F1 Paddock.

"Going forward we should discuss whether we allow the drivers to race if the symptoms are mild," said Perez, who once again partners Max Verstappen at Red Bull this season.

"The drivers can obviously be the judge, but I think it makes sense to have a discussion."

"There is only so much you can do... I think it's just luck-dependent. It is difficult to not do anything. I'm just very sorry for Seb and for Daniel, but it can happen to anyone."

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Simon Lazenby is joined by Martin Brundle and Naomi Schiff to look ahead to the F1 season opener in Bahrain.

Although there are more relaxed rules in the paddock this year and mandatory testing has been scrapped by F1, teams are continuing with the process.

Ferrari's Carlos Sainz said: "I'm trying to stay as disciplined as I was two years ago.

"But I'm not going to lie, it's tiring and it's tough after two years to do the same things. Some things I got used to, some things I still struggle [with].

"I just hope we get back to normality as soon as possible. It might be controversial, but I still think we need to move on a bit and get on with life. It's unfortunate for the other drivers and it could be me at any point."

Bahrain GP live schedule on Sky Sports F1

Friday, March 18
8.30am: Drivers' Press Conference
11.30am: Bahrain GP Practice One (session starts 12pm)
1.20pm: F3 Qualifying
2.45pm: Bahrain GP Practice Two (session starts 3pm)
4.20pm: F2 Qualifying
5pm: The F1 Show: Bahrain

Saturday, March 19
9.55am: F3 Sprint Race
11.45am: Bahrain GP Practice Three (session starts 12pm)
2pm: Bahrain GP Qualifying Build-up
3pm BAHRAIN GP QUALIFYING
4.35pm: F2 Sprint Race
5.35pm: Ted's Qualifying Notebook

Sunday, March 20
8.55am: F3 Feature Race
10.35am: F2 Feature Race
1.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday: Bahrain
3pm: THE BAHRAIN GRAND PRIX
5pm: Chequered Flag: Bahrain
6pm: Ted's Notebook
7pm: Bahrain GP Highlights

The Formula 1 season begins on Friday on Sky Sports F1 with the Bahrain GP. Sunday's race starts at 3pm. Find out more & subscribe.