Hamilton to sit out Sakhir GP after testing positive for COVID-19

Lewis Hamilton has been ruled out from this weekend’s Sakhir Grand Prix after Mercedes announced the Briton has tested positive for COVID-19.

Hamilton claimed his 11th win of the 2020 season on Sunday in Bahrain, having already wrapped up a record-equaling seventh Formula 1 world title at the previous round in Turkey.

Mercedes revealed Hamilton woke up on Monday morning with “mild symptoms” before he returned a positive test.

In accordance with coronavirus protocols, the seven-time world champion is now isolating for the mandatory 10-day period, meaning he could also miss the season finale in Abu Dhabi next week.

In a statement published by Mercedes, the team said it “regrets to announce that Lewis Hamilton has tested positive for COVID-19 and will be unable to take part in this weekend’s Sakhir GP.

“Lewis was tested three times last week and returned a negative result each time, the last of which was on Sunday afternoon at the Bahrain International Circuit as part of the standard race weekend testing programme.

“However, he woke up on Monday morning with mild symptoms and was informed at the same time that a contact prior to arrival in Bahrain had subsequently tested positive. Lewis therefore took a further test and returned a positive result. This has since been confirmed by a retest.

“Lewis is now isolating in accordance with COVID-19 protocols and public health authority guidelines in Bahrain. Apart from mild symptoms, he is otherwise fit and well, and the entire team sends him its very best wishes for a swift recovery.

“We will announce our replacement driver plans for this weekend in due course.”

Mercedes is now in the process of finding a replacement driver, with the team’s two reserve drivers Stoffel Vandoorne and Esteban Gutierrez in the frame.

Vandoorne, who races for Mercedes’ Formula E team, is currently in Valencia for pre-season testing, but is due to travel to Bahrain later this week.

Nico Hulkenberg is a potential candidate having already stood in for Racing Point at three races this year, with Williams driver George Russell an outside bet given his role as a Mercedes junior.