Mazepin has COVID-19 and has to miss the Abu Dhabi race

Nikita Mazepin will not start the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon. The Russian has tested positive for coronavirus and will therefore immediately enter quarantine, according to Haas.

The Haas driver set the slowest time in qualifying on Saturday afternoon, meaning he would've started the race from the back of the grid. On Sunday morning, however, news emerged that Mazepin had a positive coronavirus test and would therefore not be able to take part in the race.

Haas had the option of putting another driver in its car, but have decided to start only with Mick Schumacher. The team is in last place in the Constructors' Championship, 13 points behind Alfa Romeo. The team does not look set to make up that difference in Abu Dhabi.

Mazepin has told his team he is doing well. He is asymptomatic and follows the guidelines that have been set. The driver is looking forward to next season, when he will be back with Haas.