Alpine offers Piastri to McLaren if Ricciardo can't drive in F1 Bahrain GP

On Friday night, McLaren released a statement confirming that Ricciardo tested positive for COVID-19.

Ricciardo didn't take part in the opening two days of pre-season testing in Bahrain due to being ill.

This has meant Lando Norris has driven for the team in all three days at Sakhir.

McLaren has no official reserve driver but is able to call upon Stoffel Vandoorne or Nyck de Vries - Mercedes' back up drivers.

Ex-Force India and Williams driver Paul di Resta is also an option after acting as McLaren's reserve driver last year when de Vries and Vandoorne weren't available.

Alpine has reached an agreement with McLaren to allow Piastri to drive for the Woking outfit next weekend, should it need a replacement for Ricciardo.

Piastri is the reigning Formula 2 champion and is Alpine's test and reserve driver for this year.

“In the spirit of offering maximum racing opportunities to our stable of young talent, we have agreed that McLaren may call upon Alpine F1 Team reserve driver Oscar Piastri in the event one of their drivers is unable to race,” read a statement from Alpine. 

“Oscar will remain fully contracted to Alpine, and we will retain first options on his services.”

McLaren expects Ricciardo to be fully fit in time for the season-opener next weekend as he is forced to isolate in accordance with Bahrain's rules.