McLaren boss Zak Brown to miss British Grand Prix after testing positive for Covid-19

McLaren boss Zak Brown will not be attending the British Grand Prix at Silverstone this weekend after he tested positive for Covid-19, the team said on Thursday.

The race weekend kicks off today as the drivers meet the press, while the all-new 2022 Formula 1 car is also being unveiled this afternoon, before the on-track action gets under way on Friday at Silverstone.

But in a statement released at Thursday lunchtime, McLaren confirmed Brown and two other members of the team were isolating after testing positive for Covid.

"McLaren Racing confirmed today that three team members, including CEO Zak Brown, tested positive for covid-19 during the team’s rigorous testing programme before the British Grand Prix. Neither of our drivers are close contacts," the statement said.

"All three cases are unconnected and now isolating in accordance with government guidelines. The team’s operations for the British Grand Prix are unaffected."

In a tweet, Brown said he would be working from home throughout the race weekend.

"Following our team’s pre-event testing for the British GP, I’ve tested positive for covid-19. I’ve notified all my close contacts and isolating in accordance with govt guidelines. I’ll still be connected to and supporting the team safely from home," he wrote.

McLaren driver Lando Norris tested positive for Covid back in January during the off season, but only suffered minor symptoms and was recovered in plenty of time for pre-season testing.

Fellow drivers Lewis Hamilton, Sergio Perez, Lance Stroll, Charles Leclerc and Pierre Gasly have also all contracted the virus during the past 18 months, though all have immediately self-isolated, as per F1's strict protocols during the pandemic.