Daniel Ricciardo has tested positive for COVID-19, McLaren have confirmed, forcing him to miss the remainder of F1 testing in Bahrain. The Australian driver sat out both Thursday and Friday's running at the Bahrain International Circuit after reporting to the team that he felt unwell. He remained in his hotel room, where he has since been taking regular COVID-19 tests. After a batch of negatives, the 32-year-old has now tested positive and will miss Saturday's track action.
Will Ricciardo have to self isolate?
According to McLaren, "Daniel is 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." Taking to Twitter, Ricciardo appeared to be in chipper mood as he addressed his diagnosis. "Better this week than next…" he wrote. "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 and McLaren for the heavy lifting. I owe you some beers (milk for Lando). "Appreciate the well wishes from everyone."
McLaren had a tough Friday without Ricciardo
Despite a fine showing in Barcelona, McLaren have struggled since landing in Bahrain through no fault of their driver pairing. They have been hit with a brake problem that will require new parts to solve, parts that will have to be shipped in from the UK. Norris said: "There's still a few problems that we're working to resolve so, again, we made the most of what we could today."
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