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Leclerc: I have tested positive for COVID-19

Reuters

Charles Leclerc

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc confirmed on Thursday he had tested positive for COVID-19 and was self-isolating at home in Monaco with mild symptoms.

The 23-year-old said he was feeling ok, writing on Twitter: “Hello guys,  I hope you are all staying safe. I want to let you know that I have tested positive for Covid-19.

“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.”

Charles did not say where he might have contracted the virus but was in Dubai earlier this month.

He is the fifth F1 driver known to have tested positive for COVID-19 after Sergio Perez, Lance Stroll, seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris.

McLaren’s Norris was the most recent, testing positive while on holiday in Dubai earlier this month before a winter training camp.

The 2021 Formula 1 season is due to start in Bahrain on March 28 after the usual Australian opener was postponed due to the pandemic.

Charles finished eighth overall last season as Ferrari endured their worst campaign in 40 years. He is joined this year by Carlos Sainz from McLaren in place of four times world champion Sebastian Vettel.