The British team already has a deal with Mercedes that allows them to borrow Stoffel Vandoorne or Nyck de Vries when needed.
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Following the signing of a new contract between the two teams, McLaren can now call on Alpine reserve driver Oscar Piastri as a stand-in for Daniel Ricciardo or Lando Norris. The British team already has a deal with Mercedes that allows them to borrow Stoffel Vandoorne or Nyck de Vries when needed. They’ve also agreed to use former Force India driver Paul Di Resta as a stand-in if necessary. After several weeks of talks with Alpine, a deal has been reached to allow Piastri to join that pool of reserves.
“In the spirit of offering maximum racing opportunities to our stable of young talent, we have agreed that McLaren may call upon BWT Alpine F1 Team Reserve Driver Oscar Piastri in the event one of their drivers is unable to race,” tweeted Alpine.
Read More – McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo tests positive for Covid, will be cleared for Bahrain race
After testing positive for Covid-19, Daniel Ricciardo is currently in isolation. He will miss the Official Pre-Season Test in Bahrain due to this, but he is feeling better and should be ready to race in the season opener at the same track next weekend.
The news that Piastri could be available if McLaren requires him is not believed to be related to Ricciardo’s absence. Piastri, who won the F2 championship last year, isn’t racing full-time this season, instead of serving as a backup to two-time champion Fernando Alonso and teammate Esteban Ocon at Alpine.
McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo tested positive for Covid-19 but is expected to be cleared in time for the season opener in Bahrain. On Wednesday, the day before racing at the Bahrain International Circuit began, the McLaren driver felt ill and initially returned negative tests. However, McLaren revealed on Friday, following the completion of day two of the test, that the Australian had now returned a positive PCR test. According to the team, he is still being isolated in accordance with local regulations.
Read More – Mercedes’ George Russell disappointed with car’s performance at Bahrain testing
“Under these regulations, Daniel will be released in time for next weekend’s Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix. Daniel is already beginning to feel better, and we wish him well for a quick recovery,” McLaren said in a statement.
Ricciardo said that it was unfortunate for him to miss testing, but will shift his focus to the race weekend. “Better this week than next,” the Australian tweeted. “Unfortunate to miss the test, but I’m starting to feel better. I’ll stay isolated and just focus on next weekend. Big thanks to Lando & McLaren for the heavy lifting, I owe you some beers (milk for Lando). Appreciate the good wishes from everyone as well.”
