McLaren CEO Zak Brown misses the British Formula 1 GP after testing positive for Covid-19

Zak Brown returned a positive test ahead of the British GP but McLaren insists plans for this weekend are “unaffected”; two other team members also tested positive for Covid-19

By Matt Morlidge

Last updated: 7/15/21 3:29 PM

McLaren boss Zak Brown has tested positive for Covid-19 together with two other team members, as the Formula 1 team has confirmed.

McLaren, who confirmed the news Thursday afternoon, said drivers Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo were not close ties and their preparations for the British GP this weekend at Silverstone were “undisturbed”.

“McLaren Racing today confirmed that three team members, including CEO Zak Brown, tested positive for Covid-19 during the team’s rigorous testing program ahead of the British Grand Prix,” a team statement said.

After our team’s pre-event tests for the British GP, I tested positive for Covid-19. I have notified all of my close contacts and have isolated myself according to government guidelines. I will continue to be connected to the team and support the team safely from home. https://t.co/XZ4YxmfAtK

– Zak Brown (@ZBrownCEO) July 15, 2021

“None of our drivers have close contacts.

“All three cases are unrelated and are now being isolated according to government guidelines. The operations of the British Grand Prix team will not be affected.”

Brown has been McLaren Racing’s Chief Executive Officer since 2018 and has since overseen improved performance across all categories, particularly F1 – with the Woking team looking for third in a row this year.

0:58 McLaren boss Zak Brown says the team supported driver Lando Norris after his watch was stolen after the Euro 2020 final at Wembley on Sunday.

McLaren boss Zak Brown says the team supported driver Lando Norris after his watch was stolen after the Euro 2020 final at Wembley on Sunday.

The 49-year-old American said he will “still be connected to the team and safely support them from home” as it prepares for the British GP.

This weekend at Silverstone there is a new format and three days of competitive action, with qualifying on Friday evening, a first F1 sprint race on Saturday and the flagship British GP on Sunday at 3pm.