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AlphaTauri Formula 1 driver Pierre Gasly has tested positive for COVID-19.
Gasly announced the positive test on his social media channels on Sunday night and confirmed he is now self-isolating.
Milan-based Gasly said he will continue his preparation for the coming season at home, but with almost six weeks until pre-season testing gets underway in Bahrain on March 14 this should give him ample time to recover.
“I wanted to let you know that I tested positive for COVID-19,” said Gasly. “I have told everyone I’ve been in contact with during these last days.
“I’m currently self-isolating and following the protocol set by the local health authorities. I’m feeling OK, and will continue to follow my training plan from home while I remain in isolation.
“Take care.”
Gasly is the third F1 driver to have tested positive for COVID-19 this year, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and McLaren’s Lando Norris doing so in early January.
Last year, three drivers missed races thanks to COVID-19, with world champion Lewis Hamilton the most recent and having to sit out the Sakhir Grand Prix.
Both Racing Point drivers also missed races, with Sergio Perez out of action for the two Silverstone events and Lance Stroll sidelined for October’s Eifel Grand Prix and the Nurburgring.
F1 will continue to have stringent COVID-19 protocols around events this season given the ongoing pandemic, although this regime does not cover drivers outside of competition as it is designed to prevent the spread of infection at events.
