“These are certainly tough moments for me at the moment, but I am sure I will come back stronger from this. Just stay safe, look after yourself, look after your families and hope to see you soon at a race track.”

Mercedes test driver Esteban Gutierrez had been in contention to fill compatriot Perez’s seat for this weekend.

However, Hulkenberg – who has raced in more than 170 Grands Prix during his F1 career but never recorded a podium finish – has stepped in and his car will bear the number 27.

The 32-year-old will this weekend be out to show he’s still got it after eight months out of the sport.

Seats at Red Bull, AlphaTauri, Haas and Alfa Romeo are all still up for grabs for next season.

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