Mercedes has confirmed that one team member has tested positive for Covid-19 ahead of this weekend’s Eifel Grand Prix.
In recent weeks, Formula 1 has seen an uptick in cases with 17 confirmed in the past two rounds of testing, although none were team personnel.
Indeed, almost all of the 26 positive cases since the season restarted back in July have been linked to what F1 calls “ancillary personnel”, while Sergio Perez has been the only driver infected with the virus.
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On Thursday at the Nurburgring, however, Mercedes revealed that one of their employees has also now been diagnosed with Covid-19.
“We can confirm that a team member has tested positive,” a spokesperson said.
“This has been handled and is being handled in line with FIA protocols, working closely with the FIA.
“We ask for your understanding that we won’t be offering additional details.”
At this stage, it’s understood the case is not linked to either Lewis Hamilton or Valtteri Bottas, but this is another key test of F1’s Covid-19 protocols as many areas in Europe see a second wave of infections.
Indeed, just this week, organisers of the Turkish GP next month had to drop plans to allow up to 100,000 fans due to the rise in cases in the country.
Instead, the race at Istanbul Park will take place behind closed doors, this after just under 3,000 spectators had been allowed into Mugello, 30,000 watched on in Sochi and 20,000 are expected at the Eifel GP.