Norris tests positive for COVID-19 in Dubai!

©McLaren

McLaren driver Lando Norris has tested positive for COVID-19 while on holiday in Dubai, forcing the Briton into isolation for 14 days.

Norris rung in the New Year in the emirate city ahead of a planned training camp, but suddenly suffered a loss of taste on Monday that compelled the 21-year-old to get tested.

"Hi everyone, hope you are all keeping well," said Norris in a statement.

"Yesterday I lost my sense of taste and smell so immediately self-isolated and took a test.

"I’ve come back as positive, so I’ve told everyone that I’ve been in contact with and will be self-isolating for the next 14 days.

"I feel alright and have no other symptoms but I just wanted to let you all know."

Read also: 'Genuine' Norris praised by 'proud' McLaren boss

Norris is the fourth member of the F1 driver community to contract the coronavirus. Racing Point's Sergio Perez missed both rounds of racing at Silverstone last summer while teammate Lance Stroll pulled out of the Eifel GP at the NÜburtgring.

Finally, Lewis Hamilton was sidelined by COVID-19 for the Sakhir GP in Bahrain.

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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.