Williams has confirmed that CEO and Team Principal, Jost Capito has tested positive for COVID-19 prior to travelling to Jeddah for this weekend’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

"Jost is now following UK national health authority guidelines," said the team in a brief statement. "There has been no wider impact on Williams Racing personnel and the team will continue to operate trackside as planned."

The news comes days after the passing of team founder Sir Frank Williams, with the Grove outfit planning various tributes to the 79-year-old.

Today's news reinforces the fear within the paddock over the virus, with 109,636 tests since the season got underway revealing 115 positive cases.

Only last month, Lewis Hamilton, who missed last year's Sakhir Grand Prix after testing positive, and claims he is still suffering 'long COVID', admitted that he lives in "constant fear" of the virus.

"I am still at home alone, but thanks to the experience from the previous year, this can now be managed a little better," he was quoted as saying by Auto Motor und Sport. "But you live in constant fear.

"It doesn't matter to the people around me if they miss a day of work," he added. "But it can be decisive for us drivers. I see other athletes who are super relaxed about it and don't seem to mind if they get it. That feels strange to me.

"Last year it was only six months because of the short season, but now we've had it for almost a whole year," he continued. "The rules have been relaxed somewhat in some areas, making it easier to be careless and get into trouble. So you always have to keep it in the back of your mind.

"My way of dealing with social contact is very different now than in the past. Now I keep my distance from everyone and always hold my breath when people are around."

Check out our Thursday gallery from Jeddah, here.