/Charles Leclerc: Ferrari driver tests positive for coronavirus | F1 News

Charles Leclerc: Ferrari driver tests positive for coronavirus | F1 News

Charles Leclerc says he is suffering mild symptoms after testing positive for the coronavirus

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has tested positive for the coronavirus.

Leclerc said he has mild symptoms but is feeling “OK”. He had already been self-isolating at his home in Monaco after being in contact with a subsequent positive case.

Leclerc is the fifth F1 driver to test positive for the virus after Sergio Perez, Lance Stroll, Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris.

“I want to let you know that I have tested positive for Covid-19,” Leclerc posted on his Twitter account.

pic.twitter.com/kxgkNlGKNV

— Charles Leclerc (@Charles_Leclerc)

“I am regularly checked according to my team’s protocols. Unfortunately, I learned that I have been in contact with a positive case and immediately went into self-isolation, notifying anyone I had contact with. A subsequent test I took has come back positive.

“I am feeling ok and have mild symptoms. I will remain in isolation in my home in Monaco in compliance with the regulations set by the local health authorities. Stay safe and take care.”

Leclerc finished eighth in the 2020 drivers standings

Leclerc’s positive test comes in the same week that the start of the 2021 Formula One season was delayed, as the Australian and Chinese Grands Prix were postponed because of coronavirus restrictions.

The previously scheduled season opener in Melbourne has been pushed back from 19-21 March to November, with Bahrain now set to host the first race of the season a week later.

“Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow driver Charles Leclerc has tested positive for COVID-19,” Ferrari said in a statement on Twitter.

Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow driver Charles Leclerc has tested positive for COVID-19.
In accordance with the team’s protocols, Charles is tested regularly and yesterday, the result from his latest test came back positive. [1/2]

— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari)

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

“Charles notified us immediately and has informed everyone he has been in close contact with in the last few days. He is currently feeling ok with mild symptoms and is now self-isolating at home in Monaco.”

Leclerc is set to begin the season with a new team-mate, after Ferrari replaced Sebastian Vettel with Carlos Sainz for the 2021 campaign.

The Scuderia are looking to improve on an extremely disappointing 2020, which saw them finish sixth in the constructors’ standings, with Leclerc eighth among drivers.