Leclerc announced on Thursday afternoon via Instagram that he had been infected with COVID-19 and was now isolating himself at home in Monaco.
“Hi folks, I hope you are all safe. I want you to know that I have tested positive for COVID-19, ”Leclerc wrote.
“I am checked regularly according to my team’s protocols. Unfortunately, I found out that I was in contact with a positive case and immediately went into self-isolation and notified everyone I had contact with.
“Another test that I did came out positive.
“I’m fine and having mild symptoms. I will remain isolated in my Monaco apartment in accordance with local health authority regulations.
“Stay safe and take care of yourself.”
It is unclear where Leclerc became infected with COVID-19, but it is known that he vacationed with his girlfriend in Dubai earlier this month.
He is the fifth F1 driver known to have tested positive for COVID-19. Racing Point drivers Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll missed races due after contracting the virus last year, with Nico Hulkenberg substituting on both occasions.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was absent from the Sakhir Grand Prix in December after contracting the virus, but returned to the season finale in Abu Dhabi after a quick recovery.
McLaren’s Lando Norris announced last week that he tested positive before a winter training camp while on vacation in Dubai and will remain in isolation for another five days.
The Ferrari team issued a statement echoing Leclerc’s message and confirming that he has been regularly tested according to his protocols.
“Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow driver Charles Leclerc 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 was positive.
“Charles notified us immediately and informed everyone he had been in close contact with over the past few days.
“He is currently feeling fine with mild symptoms and is now isolating himself at home in Monaco.”
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