Mercedes confirm team member tested positive for coronavirus ahead of the Eifel Grand Prix…but neither Lewis Hamilton or Valtteri Bottas are involved
- Mercedes confirmed a member of their team has tested positive for Coronavirus
- It is said that the case does not involve drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas
- F1’s world champions are following protocols and working closely with the FIA
Mercedes have confirmed that a member of their team has tested positive for Coronavirus ahead of this weekend’s Eifel Grand Prix.
Mercedes have not revealed the identity of the positive member of their team but it is understood that the case does not involve either Lewis Hamilton or Valtteri Bottas.
F1’s world champions say they are following the sport’s protocols and are working closely with the FIA in the wake of the positive test.
Mercedes confirmed that a member of their team has tested positive for Coronavirus
Mercedes are also working hard to ensure the positive test will not disrupt Hamilton’s bid to equal Michael Schumacher’s record of 91 victories.
A Mercedes spokesperson has said: ‘We can confirm that a team member has tested positive.
‘This has been handled and is being handled in line with FIA protocols, working closely with the FIA.
‘We ask for your understanding that we won’t be offering additional details.’
The individual in question is not a ‘known individual’ according to the FIA. This term is generally used to refer to public figures in the team, such as a driver, team principal, race engineer, technical director, chief strategist, chief engineer or sporting director.
The F1 season resumed in July with a set of protocols in place to minimise the risk of infection.
Staff are required to test every five days, maintain social distancing using a series of ‘bubbles’ and wear a face mask while on the premises.
It is said that the case does not involve drivers Lewis Hamilton (above) and Valtteri Bottas
Racing Point’s Sergio Perez was the last person to have tested positive inside the paddock
Should an individual contract the virus, they are immediately placed into self isolation with those they have come into contact with. All parties will be kept in isolation until they test again.
Last week saw F1 announce their highest number of positive tests in a week as 10 individuals contracted the virus following the Russian Grand Prix.
However, those that tested positive were said to be among ancillary personnel rather than those involved in the teams.
Racing Point’s Sergio Perez was the last person to have tested positive inside the paddock, returning two positive tests. As a result he missed the two grands prix at Silverstone in August.