F1 reached its biggest spike of COVID-19 cases

Formula One and FIA have confirmed that seven people have been tested positive for the Covid-19 coronavirus across the past seven days which is the largest spike of cases since the season-opening Austrian Grand Prix.

Since the coronavirus-delayed 2020 F1 season kicked off in Austria on July 5, the sport has done a tremendous job to ensure the safety of drivers, teams and staff. This included the social distancing in the paddock areaa and the mandatory wearing of face coverings. During race weekends, teams and F1 staff are operating in bubbles to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the virus. Everyone entering the paddock must undergo tests for Covid-19 every five days.

Formula 1 and the FIA have jointly released the figures on a weekly basis since the season-opening race at the Red Bull Ring. In the latest statement of FIA and Formula One, it has been confirmed that „between Friday 18th September and Thursday 24th September, 3,256 tests for COVID-19 have been performed on drivers, teams and personnel.”

„Of these, seven people tested positive. The FIA and Formula 1 are providing this aggregated information for the purposes of competition integrity and transparency. No specific details as to teams or individuals will be provided by the FIA or Formula 1 and results will be made public every 7 days,” read the statement.

Formula One journalist and presenter Will Buxton confirmed Thursday morning on his Twitter account that he had tested positive for COVID-19.

"I'll be watching the Russian GP from home this weekend after returning positive COVID tests. Proof, again, that the rigorous testing in F1 is working! Thankful for the system and support from F1,” he said.