Paris (AFP)

French Formula 1 driver Pierre Gasly has tested positive for Covid-19 and has been placed in isolation, he announced on Twitter on Sunday.

"I wanted to let you know that I have tested positive for Covid-19. I have informed everyone I have been in contact with in recent days," said the Alpha Tauri pilot.

As the F1 season does not begin until March 28 with the Bahrain Grand Prix, the contamination of the 24-year-old driver has no immediate sporting consequences.

"I am currently in solitary confinement and I am following the protocol established by the local health authorities. I am feeling well and will continue to follow my training plan from my home while I remain in isolation," added the pilot, who lives in Dubai.

Gasly is the 6th F1 driver infected with Covid after Lewis Hamilton, Sergio Pérez, Lance Stroll, Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc.

The Frenchman joined Toro Rosso, renamed Alpha Tauri, during the 2019 season, after being unceremoniously replaced in the Red Bull team.

Last September, he became the first Frenchman to win an F1 Grand Prix since 1996 when he won at Monza.

For the 2021 season, he will be accompanied by the Japanese Yuki Tsunoda at the Italian team.

© 2021 AFP