Mercedes flies in six replacement F1 staff after positive COVID-19 tests

Mercedes has confirmed it has been forced to fly in six new members of staff to fill in for this weekend’s Formula 1 Eifel Grand Prix at the Nurburgring.

The entire Mercedes team was retested after one team member was confirmed as having contracted coronavirus on Thursday.

As a result of these tests, one further member returned a positive outcome, while another’s test came back inconclusive and requires a retest - the result of the inconclusive test is currently unknown.

Mercedes confirmed it is working closely with the FIA and F1 as a result of the positive tests.

The identities of those who have tested positive remain confidential, as per data production and medical confidentiality restrictions.

A statement from the team said: “Following yesterday's positive test, the entire team was retested yesterday in Germany. All team members were negative apart from one further positive, one inconclusive that is being retested.

“In line with protocols, four further team members, all of whom tested negative, will no longer be available to take part in the weekend. Six replacements have travelled from the UK and will fill the roles in the team.

“We have worked in close collaboration with the FIA and F1 throughout this process and will continue to do so. We ask for your understanding that owing to restrictions around data protection and medical confidentiality, we will not be able to provide further details on the identity of the team members affected.”

Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas stated on Thursday they have full confidence in their team not to be affected by the recent positive tests.