In a statement released on Wednesday October 21th, The Racing Point team announced their driver Lance Stroll tested positive for Covid-19 on Sunday 11th of October. 

Following a discomfort during  the Russian Grand Prix week Stroll took several Covid-19 tests in line with both the FIA and Racing Point’s own protocols, which all came negative. He also tested negative before his arrival in Germany in the official pre-event test for the Eifel Grand Prix. He consulted with a doctor who did not believe his symptoms indicated Covid-19 and did not advise a test was necessary. Based on this clinical assessment, at the time there was no requirement to inform the FIA as to the nature of the illness.

However, Stroll returned a positive Covid-19 test the following Monday, and isolated himself for ten days. He is now reported to be Covid-19 free. 

The COVID-19 code of conduct issued by the FIA states:

"Our COVID-19 delegate will also receive updates from the stakeholder if during the covered event or within 14 days at the end of a covered event any circumstances arise (such as a disclosure by the approved test provider relating to you or reports made by you to the applicable stakeholder) that indicate that you may no longer be fit to attend the covered event(s)."

Despite Racing Points' diligence in regards to Stroll's medical condition, the FIA is understood to have known about his illness as late as the announcement made on social media by the young the Canadian himself. Yet, the code of conduct states that teams and others attending races are obliged to report positive tests. Consequently, Racing Point  is deemed to have failed to comply with the COVID-19 code of conduct protocols established prior to the season by not reporting the result of Stroll's test immediately, and set to receive a warning from the FIA.

An edited code of conduct is expected to be introduced this weekend, with all attendees now obliged to take a COVID-19 test within 24 hours of entering the circuit.

Previously, a pre-event test taken on Tuesday would give the person involved a five-day window – meaning that they wouldn't have to take another test until Sunday.

From now onwards, there will be an additional wording which says that tests must be taken "at the earliest opportunity, and no more than 24 hours, following entry to any high density area at the venue".

Considering the situation, Racing Point's team principal Otmar Szafnauer said: "I think it's a good idea that the FIA has said now 24 hours from entering the paddock, you do another test. So we will do that."