McLaren confirm Ricciardo reserve options for Bahrain GP

McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl is "confident" Daniel Ricciardo will be back to full fitness ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix but has also lined up his reserve options as a precaution.

Ricciardo has missed all three days of the F1 pre-season test in Bahrain this week through illness with McLaren confirming the Australian had tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday evening.

“First of all, I am confident he will be fit again next weekend," said Seidl.

"He is feeling better already but, as we know, it simply takes a few days to get fully back into shape."

Turning his attention to McLaren's reserve options, Seidl explained there are three immediate choices open to the team.

“In terms of reserve drivers, very similar to last year we have an agreement with Mercedes to share reserve drivers [Stoffel Vandoorne and Nyck de Vries]," he added.

“We have also Paul di Resta, similar to last year, on standby in case he is needed but again, we expect Daniel to be back in good shape for next week.

“In terms of preparation, going into the season, that is not what we have been aiming.

"Definitely, it puts us and Daniel back but from something that Daniel couldn’t control, we have to accept what it is.”

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

F1 approve controversial rule change as races set to be SHORTER in 2027

• 48 minutes ago

FIA penalty points: Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Antonelli update ahead of Azerbaijan Grand Prix

• 1 hour ago

Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari F1 boss branded 'Napoleon' who has an 'allergy to Maranello'

• 2 hours ago

Aston Martin shock revealed as Brundle calls for F1 star to be axed - Fernando Alonso F1 future RECAP

• 3 hours ago

F1 News Today: Hamilton escapes, Mercedes masterplan and Verstappen Le Mans statement

• Today 16:21

Ferrari F1 star Charles Leclerc announces new plans: "I spoke about it with my manager"

• Today 16:19