Update: Another positive case at Mercedes, six team members in isolation

The fact that the COVID-19 pandemic is entering a difficult phase again after a relatively quiet summer is a concern. The Formula 1 bubble is no exemption to the fresh rise in cases. The number of positive tests within the paddock has already increased over the past weeks and now a team member of Mercedes has returned a positive test.

It would not be Hamilton and Bottas

A team spokesperson confirmed this to RaceFans.net. Although it is someone within the bubble of the racing team, it is not Lewis Hamilton or Valtteri Bottas.

Although it is the first positive test within a team since Sergio Perez's during the summer, this will have no further consequences if it is not one of the drivers. The FIA has already indicated on several occasions that a Grand Prix will continue despite positive cases.

Update: Another positive case at Mercedes

After the first positive case, Mercedes decided to retest all team members in order to prevent a possible outbreak. A new positive case was found and there was also a test that was not yet conclusive. In addition, there are four other team members who, despite their negative test, are no longer allowed to take part in the weekend.

In response, Mercedes is sending six team members from the factory to the Nurburgring to fill in the gaps now created by the loss of six team members, two of whom tested positive. 

UPDATE: Following yesterday's positive test, the entire team was retested yesterday in Germany.

All team members were negative apart from: one further positive, one inconclusive that is being retested.

— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) October 9, 2020