Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss the upcoming Sakhir Grand Prix, the sport’s governing FIA says.
Key points:
- Hamilton woke up the morning after the Bahrain Grand Prix with “mild symptoms”
- He will need a negative test before being allowed to return to the F1 paddock
- Hamilton is the third F1 driver to test positive for COVID-19 this season
Hamilton, who has already secured a record-equalling seventh world title and won Sunday’s Bahrain Grand Prix, was experiencing mild symptoms but was otherwise fit and well, his Mercedes team said.
“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 program,” the Formula 1 champions said in a statement.
“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.”
The 35-year-old Briton was isolating according to local health guidelines, the team said, with a replacement driver to be announced in due course.
Reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne was already scheduled to travel to Bahrain after Formula E testing in Valencia.
Hamilton is the third F1 driver to test positive for COVID-19 this season, following Sergio Perez at Silverstone and Lance Stroll in Germany.
Formula One organisers said Hamilton would needed a negative test before being allowed to return to the F1 paddock, therefore remaining a doubtful starter for the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi.
Hamilton appeared to be drained at the end of the Bahrain GP, which was marred by a crash that left Romain Grosjean with minor burns to his hands and ankles after his Haas car crashed and burst into flames moments after the start.
“It’s physical, this track has always been physical,” Hamilton said following Sunday’s race.
“We’ve got lots of high-speed corners so I was definitely feeling it.
“I was sliding around a lot out there and I wasn’t really quite sure how it would play out at the end.”
Hamilton clinched the drivers’ championship last month in Turkey.
He has a big lead in the standings with 332 points, well ahead of Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas on 201 points and Max Verstappen on 189.
Reuters/AP
