F1 ace Ricciardo tests positive for COVID
Alan Baldwin |
McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo has tested positive for COVID-19 but the Australian will be out of isolation in time for next week’s Bahrain season-opener.
The 32-year-old had felt unwell since Wednesday, and missed testing at the Sakhir circuit on both Thursday and Friday, but the British team said in a statement on Friday that their 2021 Italian GP winner was already on the mend.
They added that Ricciardo would continue to isolate in accordance with local regulations.
“Under these regulations, Daniel will be released in time for next weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix.
“Daniel is already beginning to feel better, and we wish him well for a quick recovery.”
But it is a serious setback for Ricciardo with practice for the opening race beginning next Friday, with the Australian going into it without having driven the car since Barcelona testing on February 24.
His British teammate Lando Norris, 22, tested in Ricciardo’s absence and will also be back in the car for the final day on Saturday.
“Better this week than next,” said Ricciardo on Twitter.
“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).”
Bahrain is something of a home race for McLaren, with the team majority-owned by the Gulf kingdom’s sovereign investment fund Mumtalakat.
Ricciardo finished seventh in the race last year with Norris fourth.
Reuters
