F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Russell's coach self-isolates after feeling COVID-19 symptoms

George Russell's fitness coach Alex Casanovas is self-isolating after feeling mild COVID-19 respiratory symptoms.

Casanovas, whom Russell has not been in contact with since last Sunday's Portuguese Grand Prix, will undergo a COVID-19 test on Friday that will determine whether he gets the all-clear to enter the Imola paddock.

Russell, who was tested on Tuesday per F1's usual protocol, will submit to another test on Friday as part of Williams' routine test schedule.

"After displaying mild respiratory symptoms this morning, George Russell’s performance coach is self-isolating today in line with FIA guidelines," confirmed a Williams spokesperson according to a report from Autosport.

"A Covid-19 test collected yesterday was negative, however he will undergo a further precautionary test again tomorrow outside the paddock before taking further directions from the FIA.

"He has not been in contact with George since race day in Portugal. George undertook his scheduled Covid-19 test on Tuesday in order to enter Italy today – which was also confirmed as negative. He will be re-tested at the track on Friday as part of the team’s regular testing schedule."

Williams' official reserve driver is Jack Aitken and the Briton is present at Imola, having attended several races with the British outfit this season as part of his reserve and development duties.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

The brutal mirror: Herbert’s no-filter advice for Lewis Hamilton

Few names in Formula 1 carry the same weight as Lewis Hamilton. Seven world titles.…

8 hours ago

Beltoise's one-off masterclass and 'Jour de Gloire'

One-time Grand Prix winner Jean-Pierre Beltoise was born on this day in 1937. The late…

9 hours ago

Rubber side up: Jos Verstappen’s Sunday somersault in Wallonia

Jos Verstappen’s efforts in this weekend’s  Rallye de Wallonie took a dramatic turn on Sunday…

10 hours ago

Mercedes ‘ticking all the boxes’ but Russell dismisses title hype

Three races into the 2026 season, and Kimi Antonelli and George Russell find themselves in…

11 hours ago

A grid of opportunity: BYD considers leap into Formula 1!

In Formula 1, whispers often travel faster than the cars themselves. And lately, one name…

12 hours ago

How Hadjar engineered his leap to ‘weird’ Red Bull seat

During his 2025 rookie season in F1, Isack Hadjar carried himself with a calm, almost…

14 hours ago