Advertisement

McLaren rocked by Covid-19 bombshell at British Grand Prix

chris young
Sports Reporter
·3-min read
McLaren boss Zak Brown, left, tested positive for coronavirus ahead of the British GP, but the team says their drivers aren't impacted.
McLaren boss Zak Brown and two other team members have tested positive for the coronavirus ahead of the British GP, but the team says preparations won't be affected. Pictures: Getty Images

McLaren's preparation for the upcoming British Grand Prix have been thrown into chaos after team boss Zak Brown and two others tested positive for the coronavirus.

Fortunately for the team, star drivers Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo were not considered close contacts of any of them, and are expected to take the grid at Silverstone.

KINDNESS: Lewis Hamilton's incredible act after Euro 2020 racism 'disgrace'

'LOST A LEGEND': Motorsport mourns death of F1 icon Carlos Reutemann

It is nonetheless an unwelcome scare for McLaren, who are hoping in increase their hold on third place in the constructors championship.

Norris contracted the virus over the off-season following while travelling in Dubai.

McLaren released a statement confirming the positive cases to reassure fans their British GP would not be compromised by the news.

"McLaren Racing confirmed today that three team members, including CEO Zak Brown, tested positive for COVID-19 during the team's rigorous testing programme before the British Grand Prix," a statement said.

"Neither of our drivers are close contacts.

"All three cases are unconnected and now isolating in accordance with government guidelines.

"The team's operations for the British Grand Prix are unaffected."

Norris sits third in the drivers championship after a highly impressive start to the 2021 season, boasting podium finishes in Imola, Monaco and Austrian grands prix.

Australian star Daniel Ricciardo has struggled to match Norris' performances in his first season with McLaren, regularly being outqualified by his much younger teammate and having issues coming to grips with his car.

Ricciardo sits eighth in the championship, 20 points behind Ferrari driver and his McLaren predecessor, Carlos Sainz Jr.

Lando Norris mugged during Euro 2020 final chaos

McLaren Formula One driver Lando Norris says he has struggled to sleep after being mugged at the European Championship final at Wembley Stadium but hoped to be fully focused for his home British Grand Prix on Sunday.

The 21-year-old, who was robbed of a watch worth a reported 40,000 pounds ($A74,444) in the incident at the London venue, has a big fan following and has stood on the podium three times already this season.

"I'm not in perfect condition, I'm not going to lie," Norris told Sky Sports television at Silverstone.

"Some work to do, mentally.

McLaren F1 driver Lando Norris was reportedly mugged outside Wembley Stadium following England's loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final. (Photo by Dan Istitene - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
McLaren F1 driver Lando Norris was reportedly mugged outside Wembley Stadium following England's loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final. (Photo by Dan Istitene - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)

"Of course I talk about that a lot and mental health, and mental strength is very important. I've not been sleeping that great, and so on.

"I don't really want to go into too much detail, but I'm thankful that I'm here."

Norris, who is friendly with some of the England players, said the final was the first soccer match he had attended and ultimately not the nicest experience.

He said being at Silverstone had allowed him to think about other things.

"I'm sure I'll be alright tomorrow," he added.

With AAP

Watch 'Mind Games', the new series from Yahoo Sport Australia exploring the often brutal mental toil elite athletes go through in pursuit of greatness:

Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.