Ferrari's Formula One (F1) racer Charles Leclerc announced on Thursday he had tested positive for COVID-19 and was self-isolating at home in Monaco with mild symptoms.

The 23-year-old Monegasque racer said he was feeling okay.

"I am regularly checked according to my team's protocols. Unfortunately, I learned that I have been in contact with a positive case and immediately went into self-isolation, notifying anyone I had contact with," he said on Instagram.

"A subsequent test I took has come back positive," he added.

"I will remain in isolation in my home in Monaco in compliance with the regulations set by the local health authorities."

Leclerc did not say where he might have contracted the virus.

He is the fifth F1 driver known to have tested positive for COVID-19 after Sergio Perez of Mexico, Lance Stroll of Canada, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris, both of Britain.

McLaren's F1 racer Norris was the most recent, testing positive while on holiday in Dubai earlier this month before a winter training camp.

The 2021 F1 season is due to start in Bahrain on March 28 after the usual Australian opener was postponed due to the pandemic.

Leclerc finished eighth overall last season as Ferrari endured their worst campaign in 40 years.

He is joined this year by Spaniard Carlos Sainz from McLaren in place of four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel.