McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo will sit out pre-season testing in Bahrain after a Covid-19 positive.
In a blow to the team’s preparations ahead of the new Formula One season, the Australian, who had felt unwell since Wednesday, was confirmed to have contracted the virus.
Ricciardo, 32, will be out of isolation in time for next week’s season-opener in Bahrain.
Daniel Ricciardo, pictured during pre-season testing in Barcelona last month, has tested positive for Covid-19 and has missed the latest testing session in Bahrain
Ricciardo will be out of Covid isolation in time for next weekend’s season opening race in Bahrain but he won’t have driven the McLaren on track since late February
A statement on Friday night read: ‘McLaren Racing can confirm that after feeling unwell from Wednesday onwards in Bahrain, Daniel Ricciardo has now returned a positive PCR test for Covid-19.
‘Daniel is therefore continuing to isolate in accordance with local regulations.
‘Under these regulations Daniel will be released in time for next weekend’s Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.
‘Daniel is already beginning to feel better, and we wish him well for a quick recovery.
‘Following this, we can confirm that Lando Norris will remain in the MCL36 for the final day of the official pre-season test in Bahrain tomorrow [Saturday].’
Ricciardo did take part in the pre-season testing in Barcelona last month but will go into the first race of the season having not driven the car since February 24.
It was left to Lando Norris to put the McLaren through is paces in Bahrain this week
The Aussie was in good spirits, however, and wrote on Twitter: ‘Better this week than next…
‘Unfortunate to miss the test, but I’m starting to feel better. I’ll stay isolated and just focus on next weekend.
‘Big thanks to Lando & McLaren for the heavy lifting, I owe you some beers (milk for Lando).
‘Appreciate the well wishes from everyone.’
Ricciardo and Norris claimed a one-two finish for McLaren at the Italian Grand Prix last year, a rare occasion when the stranglehold of Mercedes and Red Bull was broken.
