Ferrari F1 driver Leclerc tests positive for COVID-19

Leclerc announced on Thursday afternoon via Instagram that he had signed COVID-19 and was now self-isolating at home in Monaco.

“Hi guys, I hope you all stay safe. I want you to know that I have tested positive for COVID-19,” Leclerc wrote.

“I am regularly screened according to my team’s protocols. Unfortunately, I learned that I had come into contact with a positive case and immediately went into self-isolation and notified everyone I had contact with.

“A subsequent test that I did came back positive.

“I’m fine and having mild symptoms. I will remain isolated in my Monaco home to comply with local health authority regulations.

“Stay safe and take care of yourself.”

It is unclear where Leclerc signed COVID-19, but it is known that he vacationed in Dubai with his girlfriend earlier this month.

He is the fifth F1 driver known to test positive for COVID-19. Racing Point drivers Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll missed races after contracting the virus last year. Nico Hülkenberg acted as deputy on both occasions.

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was absent from the Sakhir Grand Prix in December after contracting the virus as well. He was replaced by George Russell at Mercedes but returned to Abu Dhabi for the season finale after a quick recovery.

McLaren’s Lando Norris announced last week that he had tested positive while on vacation in Dubai before a winter training camp and would remain in isolation for another five days.

The Ferrari team issued a statement echoing Leclerc’s message and confirming that it has been regularly tested according to the protocols.

“Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow driver Charles Leclerc has tested positive for COVID-19,” the team said.

“In accordance with the team’s protocols, Charles is being tested regularly and yesterday the result of his last test came back positive.

“Charles notified us immediately and informed everyone he had been in close contact with over the past few days.

“At the moment he is fine with mild symptoms and is now isolating himself at home in Monaco.”