Sainz “a bit bored” during coronavirus quarantine period
McLaren Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz admits he is "a bit bored” after undertaking a precautionary period of quarantine following his return from the cancelled Australian Grand Prix.
Sainz has voluntarily put himself into an “individual strict quarantine” for 14 days after a member of the McLaren race crew tested positive for coronavirus in Melbourne, leading to the team withdrawing and the race ultimately being called off.
McLaren Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz admits he is "a bit bored” after undertaking a precautionary period of quarantine following his return from the cancelled Australian Grand Prix.
Sainz has voluntarily put himself into an “individual strict quarantine” for 14 days after a member of the McLaren race crew tested positive for coronavirus in Melbourne, leading to the team withdrawing and the race ultimately being called off.
While McLaren confirmed earlier this week that the infected team member is no longer showing symptoms of COVID-19, it has taken the precautionary measure of placing a total of 14 members of staff into a spell of self-isolation.
“At the moment I feel perfectly fine, but as you are aware that doesn't necessarily mean that I am not infected or that I can't develop the symptoms going forward,” Sainz said on Tuesday.
"For the sake of everybody, it is very important to be responsible and follow the guidelines of the experts.”
On Twitter, the Spaniard added: "It's been a busy few days trying to organise my life since then. Obviously, I'm a bit bored. I mean, I guess everyone who's doing this quarantine is a bit bored.
"But at the same time I am trying to do some sport, I'm trying to keep myself busy and do the kind of things that I would never do because of so much travelling.”
Following postponements to the opening four races in Australia, Bahrain, China and Vietnam, the start of the 2020 F1 season has been delayed until at least May.
Sainz said he wanted to send his support to the McLaren staff currently self-isolating in Melbourne and conceded he is already missing racing.
"I just wanted to send a message to all the mechanics, people that stayed there in Australia, sending them some good vibes, sending them a lot of positivity, sending them a big hug, because I'm sure we're all gonna leave this quarantine as soon as possible,” he added.
"And as soon as we're done, we will get back to business. And as soon as this virus is over, we will go back racing. I cannot wait to be honest.
"I miss racing, I miss travelling around the world with my team. But in the end, you know, this is something that will pass, something that we need to get over as soon as possible and for that, better stay home, better stay in quarantine and don't do much."
Be responsible and stay positive these days!#StayAtHome https://t.co/YRlgN7j92B
— Carlos Sainz (@Carlossainz55) March 17, 2020
I also wanted to send positive vibes to @McLarenF1 team & all the members that stayed in quarantine. pic.twitter.com/zDWcXDC6Lt
Lewis regularly attends Grands Prix for Crash.net around the world. Often reporting on the action from the ground, Lewis tells the stories of the people who matter in the sport.
