Ricciardo tests positive for Covid-19

Daniel Ricciardo is out of the final day of pre-season testing in Bahrain after testing positive for Covid-19.

McLaren had declared Ricciardo unwell over the past two days, forcing him to sit out planned running at the Bahrain International Circuit.

The Australian had taken numerous Covid tests and had passed them all, and was seemingly on his way to returning to the cockpit for the final day of testing on Saturday.

But the team has now confirmed Ricciardo has tested positive, although under local guidelines, he will be okay to participate in next weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix.

"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," a team statement read.

"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."

With typical good humour, Ricciardo could see the positive side, and thanked team-mate Lando Norris for his efforts via a post on social media.

Better 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.

— Daniel Ricciardo (@danielricciardo) March 11, 2022

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

F1 Qualifying Results: 2026 Canadian Grand Prix times and grid positions

• 18 minutes ago

FIA announce Lewis Hamilton penalty verdict at the Canadian Grand Prix

• 46 minutes ago

FIA announce F1 star disqualification verdict at Canadian Grand Prix after race

• 1 hour ago

Mercedes F1 drivers at war as team boss Toto Wolff forced to intervene at Canadian Grand Prix

• 1 hour ago

Max Verstappen vents Red Bull frustration: 'We've had this problem for years'

• 2 hours ago

FIA announce investigation verdict on Mercedes star Kimi Antonelli at Canadian Grand Prix

• 2 hours ago