Lance Stroll reveals positive Covid test

Racing Point

Stroll reveals positive Covid test

Racing Point driver missed the Eifel Grand Prix through illness

Ewan Gale

Wednesday 21 October 2020 11:27 Updated: 12:39

Racing Point driver Lance Stroll has revealed he tested positive for Covid-19 after falling unwell over the Eifel Grand Prix weekend.

Stroll, who tested negative during pre-race weekend screening, took part in all Thursday media commitments and stayed with the team during Friday's free practice washout, became ill on the Saturday morning, leading to Nico Hulkenberg's call-up.

In a statement, Stroll said: "I just want to let everyone know that I recently tested positive for Covid-19 after the Eifel GP weekend.

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"I am feeling 100% and have since tested negative. To fill you in on what happened, I arrived at the Nurburgring after testing negative in the normal pre-race tests.

"On Saturday morning, I started to feel unwell and woke up with an upset stomach. I followed the FIA protocol and self-isolated in my motorhome and did not re-enter the paddock.

"I wasn't fit to race so I flew home early Sunday morning. As I was still feeling under the weather, I took a Covid test on Sunday evening. The next day the results came back positive, so I stayed at home self-isolating for the next 10 days. Luckily, my symptoms were pretty mild."

The positive test revealed by Stroll means that both Racing Point drivers have missed at least a round of the championship through Covid-19 following Sergio Perez's absence at the Silverstone double-header.

With Formula 1's return to Portugal this weekend for the inaugural race in Portimao, Stroll insists he is ready to race.

"I was tested again on Monday this week and my results were negative. I feel in great shape and I can't wait to be back with the team and to race in Portugal."

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