Daniel Ricciardo tests positive for Covid as McLaren driver sits out in Bahrain

03/11/2022

McLaren 's preparations for the 2022 Formula 1 campaign hit a major snag on Friday after it was confirmed Daniel Ricciardo has tested positive for Covid-19.

The setback means he won't be able to conclude pre-season testing in Bahrain as planned and is set to sit out Saturday's final session.

Ricciardo, 32, is about to enter his second season as a McLaren driver after he finished eighth in the drivers' standings last year, while team-mate Lando Norris impressed as he took sixth place.

Crucially, it's been confirmed Ricciardo's period of isolation will conclude in time for him to suit up on the starting grid in Bahrain come March 20 when the new campaign gets underway.

"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," read the manufacturer's statement on Friday.

"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]."

Formula 1 announced the Australian had previously returned negative tests after he initially felt unwell, but his isolation was confirmed following a positive test on Friday.

McLaren have had to endure some struggles with brake issues during the first two days of pre-season testing in Bahrain, and the pressure is on Norris to take on a heavy workload in Saturday's final session.

Ricciardo took a typically positive outlook on the matter and tweeted to his 2.6million followers that it's “Better [he tests positive] 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 as well.”

McLaren enter 2022 hoping to be one of the teams that can break the stranglehold Mercedes and Red Bull have had on F1 in recent years.

Ricciardo (first) and Norris (second) claimed a rare one-two finish for the manufacturer at last year's Italian Grand Prix, while the latter took another four podium finishes in 2021.

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