Daniel Ricciardo will miss this week’s trial in Bahrain after testing positive for COVID-19, but he is expected to be back in time for the 2022 season start.

If Daniel Ricciardo is unable to compete in the 2022 season next weekend, McLaren team boss Andreas Seidl has stated that he will be replaced by either Nyck de Vries or Stoffel Vandoorne.

After falling ill earlier in the week, Ricciardo found positive for COVID-19, forcing him to miss all three days of pre-season testing in Bahrain, which he did on Friday evening.

Ricciardo is undergoing isolation in accordance with local laws, and McLaren expects him to be completed in time for the Bahrain Grand Prix, but with little lead time.

“According to government regulations, he will be out of isolation next week, on Thursday evening,” Seidl is quoted as saying by Auto Motor und Sport.

De Vries or Vandoorne would step in for McLaren

If Ricciardo tests positive for the second time next week, McLaren’s intention is to replace him, according to Seidl.

“That’s where a Mercedes agreement kicks in [and] either Nyck de Vries or Stoffel Vandoorne would seat in the car,” Seidl said, referring to the Silver Arrows’ backup drivers.

Vandoorne, on the other hand, will compete in the 1000 Miles of Sebring next week as part of the World Endurance Championship season, whereas de Vries has no previous commitments.

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