Daniel Ricciardo tests positive for COVID-19, McLaren driver expects to be fit for season opener in Bahrain

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3 years ago

Image Credits - Autosport

Earlier on Saturday, McLaren star Daniel Ricciardo revealed that he was self-isolating after testing positive for COVID-19 but hopes to recover in time for the opening race of the season

Out of the 20 drivers on the current F1 grid, 19 of them were able to partake during the pre-season testing in Bahrain. The only driver to miss the preparations for the season opener was McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo.

Image Credits – McLaren

On Friday, McLaren revealed that Ricciardo was unable to participate on the first two days of pre-season testing in Bahrain as the Australian was feeling ‘unwell’. However, on Saturday, the driver himself put out a statement confirming that he had tested positive for COVID-19.

This came as a massive setback for the team, who were hoping for Ricciardo to get some laps in relatively tricky conditions given the new car. However, the possible good news for McLaren is that if Daniel is able to recover in time, he should be available for the Bahrain GP this weekend.

Will Ricciardo be available for Bahrain GP?

In his social media post on Saturday, Ricciardo revealed that he was already feeling better and hopes to be available for the Bahrain GP. The 32-year-old didn’t let COVID dampen his spirits as he also took a playful dig at his teammate Lando Norris.

The likes of Sergio Perez, Lance Stroll and Lewis Hamilton had to miss at least one race during the 2020 season after having contracted COVID. Former Haas driver Nikita Mazepin also missed the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP for the same reason. Hopefully, Ricciardo and McLaren will be able to get their star driver back in time for the season opener.

Although Ricciardo was unable to get any laps during the pre-season testing in Bahrain, Norris did make the most of getting to grips with his new car. While McLaren struggled with some brake issues during the initial two days of testing, the car was working much better for Norris.

Last year, Ricciardo finished in eighth place in the drivers’ standings, while Norris impressed as he took sixth place. The two also managed a 1-2 finish for the team in Italy.