Daniel Ricciardo tests positive for Covid-19

Daniel Ricciardo has tested positive for COVID-19. The Australian driver has only developed minor symptoms and is expected to start the opening Grand Prix in Bahrain.

Daniel must isolate before being released in time to compete in the 2022 Formula 1 season opener next week.

The McLaren Formula 1 team has announced that Daniel Ricciardo has tested positive for Covid-19.

As a result, the Australian will be forced to miss the final day of pre-season testing in Bahrain on Saturday.

Ricciardo has already sat out Thursday and Friday’s on-track running due to feeling unwell, however it was reported that he tested negative for Covid-19 several times.

After returning a positive result on Friday, McLaren asserted that he is not due to miss the opening round of the season in Bahrain next weekend.

“Daniel Ricciardo has now returned a positive PCR test for Covid-19,” read a team statement.

“Daniel is therefore continuing to isolate in accordance with local regulations.

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“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.”

The situation marks a major setback for Ricciardo and his preparations for the 2022 F1 season.

Ricciardo managed to clock 212 laps in Barcelona two weeks ago at the pre-season shakedown.

The 32-year-old released his own statement on Friday evening, which read: “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.”

McLaren has endured a difficult test so far in Bahrain, as it is dealing with overheating brakes, which is limiting its ability to complete long-distance runs.

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