Leclerc has 'mild symptoms' after becoming fifth F1 driver to contract COVID-19

Ferrari Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc has revealed he has tested positive for coronavirus.

Leclerc recently spent time in Dubai before travelling back to his home in Monaco, where he was notified that he had come into contact with a positive case.

The Monegasque driver subsequently took a test for coronavirus and returned a positive result. He is undergoing a mandatory period of self-isolation in compliance with the local health authorities.

In an update on his social media, Leclerc confirmed the positive test to fans and said he is feeling OK and only has “mild symptoms” of coronavirus.

“I want to let you know that I have tested positive for COVID-19,” Leclerc wrote on Instagram. “I am regularly checked according to my team’s protocols.

"Unfortunately, I learned that I have been in contact with a positive case and immediately went into self-isolation, notifying anyone I had contact with. A subsequent test I took has come back positive.

“I am feeling ok and have mild symptoms. I will remain in isolation in my home in Monaco in compliance with the regulations set by the local health authorities. Stay safe and take care.”

Leclerc is the fifth F1 driver to have tested positive for COVID-19.

Sergio Perez missed both Silverstone rounds last year when he became the first F1 driver to contract the virus, before his then-Racing Point teammate Lance Stroll missed the Eifel Grand Prix in October with an illness, later revealed to be coronavirus.

Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was also ruled out of a race when he was forced to miss November’s Sakhir Grand Prix after returning a positive test.

Earlier this month, McLaren’s Lando Norris revealed he too had tested positive for COVID-19 while on holiday in Dubai ahead of a planned training camp prior to the upcoming 2021 F1 season.