Official: Vettel to make F1 return at Australian GP

Sebastian Vettel will return to action at the Australian Grand Prix after recovering from COVID-19, Aston Martin have confirmed.

Vettel caught the virus ahead of the season opener in Bahrain and also had to sit out the second round in Saudi Arabia, with the German failing to return a negative test result in time.

He was replaced on both occasions by compatriot Nico Hulkenberg, who serves as Aston Martin's reserve driver.

Vettel cleared to race in Australia

On Thursday, Aston Martin confirmed that Vettel is ready to race again and will therefore make his first outing of the season at the Australian GP (8-10 April).

"We are pleased to confirm that Sebastian Vettel is now fit to race and will therefore line up alongside Lance Stroll in Melbourne to kick off his 2022 F1 season at the Australian Grand Prix," declared Aston Martin in a short statement.

Aston Martin are one of two teams, along with Williams, yet to score a point in 2022.