Ricciardo tested positive for Covid-19 after all, Norris takes over

Daniel Ricciardo will not be in action during the winter test in Bahrain, after McLaren announced that the driver has tested positive for Covid-19.

Teammate Lando Norris already took full responsibility for the second day of testing because Ricciardo was not feeling well. Earlier, the Australian tested negative for the coronavirus several times, but on Friday night a positive test result followed.

"McLaren Racing can confirm that after feeling unwell from Wednesday onwards in Bahrain, Daniel Ricciardo has now returned a positive PCR test for covid-19," reads the statement on the official website of the team. "Daniel is therefore continuing to isolate in accordance with local regulations."

According to these rules, Ricciardo will be allowed to participate in the Bahrain Grand Prix, which takes place on the weekend of March 20. The team emphasizes that he is already starting to feel better. For Norris, it means a lot of extra kilometres, because Ricciardo's cancellation will also mean he will have to take on the last day of testing.