Racing Point has clarified the situation surrounding Lance Stroll’s health at the Nürburgring, stating a doctor advised a test for Covid-19 was not necessary, two days before the Canadian returned a positive test.
Stroll did not participate at the Nürburgring, having fallen unwell, but revealed on Wednesday that he returned a positive Covid-19 test shortly after travelling home on Sunday October 11.
He has since isolated at home in Switzerland and returned a negative test on Monday ahead of this weekend’s Portuguese Grand Prix.
The actions of both Stroll and Racing Point caused scrutiny and in a statement issued on Wednesday afternoon team boss Otmar Szafnauer attempted to clarify the situation.
Szafnauer stressed that the protocols outlined by both Racing Point and governing body FIA were followed and confirmed that all Racing Point personnel returned negative tests after the Nürburgring weekend.
“As stated by Lance on social media this morning, Racing Point can confirm that he tested positive for Covid-19 on Sunday 11th of October,” Szafnauer said in a statement issued by Racing Point.
“Lance had left the team bubble in Germany on Saturday 10th October as he was unable to compete due to the effect of a recurring stomach upset.
“Lance had first reported an upset stomach during the Russian Grand Prix week and subsequently tested negative for Covid-19 several times, tests taken in line with both the FIA and Racing Point’s own protocols.
“He also tested negative before arrival in Germany in the official pre-event test for the Eifel Grand Prix.
“The upset stomach symptoms returned on Saturday which forced Lance to withdraw from the race and stay in his motorhome away from the paddock.
“He consulted with a doctor who did not believe his symptoms indicated Covid-19 and did not advise a test was necessary.
“Based on this clinical assessment, at the time there was no requirement to inform the FIA as to the nature of the illness.
“Lance then flew home to Switzerland on a private plane on Sunday morning.
“In line with Racing Point’s enhanced testing protocol, under which all team members are tested on return from a Grand Prix, Lance took a Covid-19 test at home and received a positive result the next day.
“He continued to isolate for 10 days from the date of the test, in line with local regulations. He returned a negative test on Monday this week and will travel to the Portuguese Grand Prix.
“All members of the Racing Point team at the Eifel Grand Prix returned to the UK via a private charter flight and all tested negative upon their arrival, and again in their pre-event test for the Portuguese Grand Prix.”
The FIA has yet to comment on the situation.
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