Mercedes F1 team member tests positive for COVID-19 at Eifel GP

Mercedes has confirmed that a member of its Formula 1 team has tested positive for coronavirus ahead of this weekend’s Eifel Grand Prix.

A spokesperson for Mercedes confirmed that a positive case had been returned by an unnamed member of its staff, however it is understood not to involve either drivers Lewis Hamilton or Valtteri Bottas.

Mercedes says that the case is being dealt with in line with the FIA protocols.

“We can confirm that a team member has tested positive,” a Mercedes 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.”

The FIA and F1 confirmed 10 positive cases had been returned out of around 2,000 tests carried out during its latest round of testing held after the Russian Grand Prix, though none of these included F1 team personnel.

The season-opening Australian Grand Prix was abandoned at the 11th hour after a McLaren team member contracted coronavirus in the Melbourne paddock, though the FIA has since maintained it now has the ability to deal with any outbreaks without the need to cancel races.

Racing Point driver Sergio Perez also tested positive for COVID-19 and was forced to miss both Silverstone races as a result.

F1 is visiting the Nurburgring for the first time in seven years this weekend, with Hamilton heading to Germany holding a 44-point lead over teammate Bottas after the Finn’s victory last time out in Sochi.

We can confirm that a team member has tested positive for COVID-19. This has been handled and is being handled in line with FIA protocols, working closely with the FIA.

— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) October 8, 2020