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

F1 Off the Track

Young F1 star set to make McLaren debut in injury replacement

• Yesterday 09:12

Latest F1 News

F1 star reveals how Verstappen and Hamilton rivalry influenced key decision

• April 16, 2024 21:12