McLaren CEO Zak Brown tests positive for Covid; will miss British GP

McLaren has confirmed that its CEO Zak Brown has tested positive for Covid-19 and will be missing the British Grand Prix this weekend.

The team also said that three other members of its team are tested positive but that Lando Norris or Daniel Ricciardo are not close contacts of Brown and do not have to isolate.

Brown was at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last weekend along with members of the McLaren team and drivers as well as the Euro 2020 final between Italy and England on Sunday.

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. https://t.co/XZ4YxmfAtK

— Zak Brown (@ZBrownCEO) July 15, 2021

“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,” a McLaren 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.”

Brown had been scheduled to be a part of the FIA team personnel press conference on Friday alongside Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and Mercedes boss Toto Wolff.

Silverstone is set to allow a capacity crowd of 140,000 into the grandstands this weekend as part of the UK government’s Event Research Programme.

All those attending the race will have to provide proof of a negative Covid test within 48 hours of arrival at the circuit or proof of full vaccination, with the second dose having been administered at least 14 days prior to the British Grand Prix.

Teams currently have to remain in bubbles and isolation in order to risk contamination within the F1 paddock.