Mercedes drivers trust team's handling of positive COVID case

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Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas trust their Mercedes team will not be impacted this weekend by the positive COVID-19 case identified among its crews.

Mercedes announced on Thursday that one of its team members had tested positive for the coronavirus ahead of this weekend's Eifel Grand Prix at the Nürburgring.

The individual - who was not identified - was isolated by Mercedes, the team insisting the situation was being handled "in line with FIA protocols, working closely with the FIA".

Hamilton said the case was a reminder of the virus' lingering presence while Mercedes will need to make sure that the plight does not cause any "disturbances" in the team this weekend.

Read also: Mercedes team member tests positive for coronavirus

"Naturally, it’s sad to hear that," Hamilton said. "We obviously had this week in between [races], and those guys work so hard to stay safe and be here on the weekend so it’s definitely a concern.

"It’s obviously important for everyone around the world to know, to be continuously reminded that this thing has not disappeared.

"It’s still here. We still need to continue to follow protocols and wear masks, and keep our hands clean, keep our distances.

"I can’t say what it’s going to do to our weekend," he added. "We have a lot of great people within our team, it’s not just about one person.

"So we’ll try and make him proud this weekend and it’s just going to take a different type of work, or it’s going to take a lot of work still, to make sure that we continue on without any disturbances."

Bottas said he trusted Mercedes to make sure that all protective measures were in place to avoid a spread of the disease in the team.

"For sure, as a driver, the last thing you want is to get it," said the Finn. "It would definitely mean at least missing one race, maybe even more – and we had one example of that already.

"So, of course, [we’re] being as cautious as you can and, you know, following the protocols and being sensible, staying in the bubble.

"Sometimes it can be a matter of luck, because it’s pretty contagious. But we’re all trying to do the best we can not to get it.

"Of course it’s unfortunate that one team member got it but I fully trust the team is handling everything, following all the protocols and doing everything we can to be able to make sure it stops there in that one case. I have all the trust in that."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.