Red Bull sporting director becomes latest F1 casualty of Covid-19

Red Bull sporting director Jonathan Wheatley has become the latest high-profile Formula 1 figure to test positive for Covid-19.

An FIA statement read: "The FIA, Formula 1 and Aston Martin Red Bull Racing can confirm that during mandatory pre-race PCR testing for the Bahrain Grand Prix, sporting director Jonathan Wheatley tested positive for Covid-19.

"In accordance with Covid-19 protocols and public health authority guidelines, he will continue to isolate for the full 10-day period and therefore not attend the Bahrain Grand Prix.

"No other members of the Aston Martin Red Bull Racing Team have been affected by this situation."

The isolation period means Wheatley is likely to miss all or part of the second race in Bahrain next weekend around the Sakhir venue's outer circuit.

Wheatley's positive test follows those for Pirelli boss Mario Isola, Racing Point drivers Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll, along with team owner Lawrence Stroll.

Mercedes also had a number of trackside personnel return positive results ahead of the Eifel Grand Prix at the Nürburgring that forced the team to fly out staff to assist through the weekend.

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