Release date: October 22, 2020
Racing Point will receive a slap on the wrist for their behavior after Lance Stroll is found to test positive for Covid-19.
Stroll did not take part in the Eifel Grand Prix weekend after his illness and was then replaced by Nico Hülkenberg, who had already represented Sergio Perez from Racing Point after testing positive for the virus before the British Grand Prix.
However, Racing Point initially said Stroll didn’t have symptoms associated with Covid-19, while a doctor told Stroll that a Covid test was not necessary.
However, a test conducted on race day on Sunday was positive for the Canadian driver who had returned home to recover in Switzerland.
Stroll made the news public on social media and also confirmed that he has had negative results since then and can get active again in Portimao this weekend.
Lance Stroll tested positive for covid-19 during the Eifel GP, but now he’s healthy and tested negative again.
Info from his Instagram# F1 pic.twitter.com/1gPcMI8LIs
– Red water (@ Insidef1) October 21, 2020
In his story on Instagram Stroll wrote: “I just want to let everyone know that I recently tested positive for COVID-19 after the Eifel GP weekend. I feel 100% and have tested negative since then.
“To let you know what happened, I arrived at the Nürburgring after testing negative in the normal tests before the race.
“On Saturday morning, I felt unwell and woke up with an upset stomach. I followed FIA protocol and isolated myself in my RV and never reentered the paddock.
“I wasn’t ready to drive and flew home early on Sunday morning. Since I was still feeling under the weather, I did a Covid test on Sunday evening.
“The next day the results were positive, so I stayed at home self-isolating for the next 10 days. Fortunately, my symptoms were pretty mild.
“I was tested again on Monday this week and my results were negative. I feel in great shape and can’t wait to be back on the team and compete in Portugal. “In his story on Instagram Stroll wrote:” I just want to tell everyone that I recently tested positive for COVID-19 after the Eifel GP weekend. I feel 100% and have tested negative since then.
“To let you know what happened, I arrived at the Nürburgring after testing negative in the normal tests before the race.
“On Saturday morning, I felt unwell and woke up with an upset stomach. I followed FIA protocol and isolated myself in my RV and never reentered the paddock.
“I was not ready to drive and flew home early Sunday morning. Since I was still feeling under the weather, I did a Covid test on Sunday evening.
“The next day the results were positive, so I stayed at home self-isolating for the next 10 days. Fortunately, my symptoms were pretty mild.
“I was tested again on Monday this week and my results were negative. I feel in great shape and can’t wait to be back on the team and compete in Portugal. “
The FIA’s problem with this particular incident is that they were only made aware of Stroll’s positive test shortly before the driver made it public.
The FIA’s Code of Conduct states: “Our COVID-19 delegate will also receive updates from the stakeholder if circumstances arise (e.g., disclosure by the Approver) during the Covered Event or within 14 days of the end of a Covered Event Relating to you or reports that you have directed to the relevant stakeholder) indicating that you may no longer be suitable for attending the events covered. “
As part of updated measures to be introduced ahead of the Portuguese Grand Prix and beyond, all employees in the Formula 1 paddock are required to perform a COVID-19 test within 24 hours of entering the circuit.
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