Gasly latest F1 driver to test positive for COVID-19 after Dubai trip

AlphaTauri Formula 1 driver Pierre Gasly is self-isolating after testing positive for COVID-19.

The Frenchman announced on social media that he has tested positive for coronavirus and is currently undergoing a period of self-isolation in line with local health authorities.

Gasly is the sixth F1 driver to have contracted coronavirus and the latest to have tested positive following a trip to Dubai.

“Hello everyone, I hope you’re all well and safe,” Gasly wrote on Twitter.

“I wanted to let you know that I tested positive for COVID-19. I have told everyone I’ve been in contact with during these last days.

“I’m currently self-isolating and following the protocol set by the local health authorities. I’m feeling ok, and will continue to follow my training plan from home where I remain in isolation.”

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The 24-year-old has been on holiday in the United Arab Emirates, where he has also been stepping up his training ahead of the upcoming 2021 F1 season.

Recent social media posts indicate that Gasly was at the NAS Sports Complex in Dubai as recently as five days ago, where celebrities including actor Will Smith and Liverpool footballer Virgil Van Dijk have also visited.

Earlier this month Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and McLaren driver Lando Norris also revealed they had tested positive for coronavirus following trips to Dubai.

Leclerc returned to action last week during a five-day test for Ferrari at Fiorano, while Norris has flown back to the United Kingdom following a mandatory period of quarantine.

Sergio Perez was the first F1 driver to contract COVID-19, with the Mexican forced to miss both Silverstone races during the 2020 season, before former Racing Point teammate Lance Stroll, and then world champion Lewis Hamilton also sat out of races later in the year due to returning positive tests.