Ricciardo set to compete in Bahrain GP after testing negative

McLaren says Daniel Ricciardo is set to compete in this weekend’s Formula 1 opener in Bahrain after all, following “a number of” negative COVID-19 tests.

Ricciardo had to sit out the entirety of the three-day pre-season test in Bahrain last week due to an illness that ultimately yielded a positive COVID-19 test, meaning he would have to remain quarantined until close to the beginning of the race weekend.

While the Woking-based team was confident he would be able to make his return in time, its reserve options included the duo it shares with Mercedes – Stoffel Vandoorne and Nyck de Vries – along with ex-Force India driver Paul di Resta and Alpine junior Oscar Piastri, who the French team has made available to McLaren in order to provide the reigning Formula 2 champion competitive opportunities while he serves as its 2022 reserve.

None of the quartet are now set to be needed this coming weekend.

“McLaren F1 Team confirms that after testing positive for COVID-19 last week, Daniel has now returned a number of negative tests and will therefore return to the paddock on Thursday ready to compete in this weekend’s Bahrain GP,” the team statement read.

“Daniel has been feeling better each day as he continued to recover while in isolation following local regulations in Bahrain.”

Ricciardo, however, is likely to face an uphill battle in the first race weekend of the 2022 season, as the sole of the 20 entered driver to not have driven a single lap in the Sakhir test.

The Australian finished eighth in the drivers’ standings last year, 45 points and two places behind team-mate Lando Norris despite ending McLaren’s long win drought at Monza.