Formula 1 has encountered its largest spike of Covid-19 cases so far this season after confirming that seven positive tests were returned in the last seven days.
The championship carried out over 44,000 tests across the opening nine rounds and had only nine positive cases, with no more than two per week.
Formula 1 and governing body the FIA have jointly released the figures on a weekly basis since the revised opening round of the campaign in Austria.
Across the past seven days seven people returned a Covid-19 test.
This was out of 3,256 tests carried out on drivers, teams and personnel.
Cases of Covid-19 have been increasing in recent weeks in the United Kingdom, where seven of the 10 Formula 1 teams, and other organisations such as the broadcast crew, are based.
The championship does not release details of individuals who have tested positive for the virus.
Formula 1’s lead presenter, Will Buxton, confirmed via his social media pages on Thursday that he has not travelled to this weekend’s Russian Grand Prix after testing positive.
All Formula 1 personnel undergo tests for Covid-19 every five days and are immediately isolated, to reduce the risk of further infection and ensure the grand prix can take place as planned, in the event of a positive result.
Formula 1 personnel are operating in bubbles, as well as sub-bubbles, to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the virus, and are adhering to guidelines set out by respective governments and authorities.
Personnel are only permitted access to the paddock, or their working areas, once they have returned a negative test.
