McLaren confirm who would replace Ricciardo if he can't race

Daniel Ricciardo would be replaced by either Nyck de Vries or Stoffel Vandoorne if he is unable to return for next weekend's 2022 season opener, McLaren team boss Andreas Seidl has explained.

McLaren confirmed on Friday evening that Ricciardo had tested positive for COVID-19, after falling unwell in the week, meaning he has been forced to sit out all three days of pre-season testing in Bahrain.

Ricciardo is isolating in accordance with local regulations and McLaren expect him to be released in time for the Bahrain Grand Prix, albeit with little time to spare.

"According to government regulations, he will be out of isolation next week, on Thursday evening," Seidl is quoted as saying by Auto Motor und Sport.

De Vries or Vandoorne would step in for McLaren

As for who would replace Ricciardo, if he tests positive again next week, Seidl confirmed McLaren's plan of action.

"That's where an agreement with Mercedes kicks in [and] either Nyck de Vries or Stoffel Vandoorne would sit in the car," Seidl commented, with the pair acting as reserve drivers for the Silver Arrows.

However, Vandoorne is set to be in action at the 1000 Miles of Sebring next week, as part of the World Endurance Championship season, while de Vries does not have any prior commitments in his diary.