Lando Norris has tested positive for coronavirus while on holiday in Dubai, McLaren have confirmed. He becomes the fourth F1 driver to catch the virus after Lewis Hamilton, Lance Stroll and Sergio Perez.
Norris had a tremendous second season in the sport and helped McLaren to third in the constructors’ championship.
The 21-year-old also picked up his first podium at the Austrian Grand Prix.
A McLaren statement read: “McLaren can confirm that Lando Norris tested positive for Covid-19 yesterday in Dubai, where he is currently on holiday ahead of a planned training camp.
“After recognising a loss of taste and smell, he was tested immediately and informed the team.
“In line with local regulations, he is now self-isolating at his hotel for 14 days.
“He is currently feeling well and reports no other symptoms.
With the F1 season over, Norris will not miss any races which will come as a relief to McLaren.
Perez missed two for Racing Point in the 2020 season where Nico Hulkenberg took his place.
F1 world champion Hamilton missed the Sakhir Grand Prix as George Russell stood in for him at Mercedes.
Meanwhile, McLaren boss Zak Brown has praised Norris for his 2020 performances.
“I think it’s great,” Brown said. “What you see is what you get with both of our drivers. I think that’s one of the reasons why they have been so popular and why Lando is so popular.
“Everything that you see him do, that’s him. He takes that upon himself, it’s genuine, it’s authentic. It’s great to have someone who spotlights issues and agendas and it’s done in a very authentic way. I think it’s very important.
“I think Lando has been a breath of fresh air for the sport, and he’s enjoyable to watch. He’s actually a fairly shy person, but that doesn’t come through in his social media. He’s just very authentic. I think he’s very comfortable in that environment.
“We’re very proud that he is so comfortable bringing that issue forward in such a positive way.”
