LEWIS HAMILTON will race in this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after winning his battle with COVID-19.
The F1 world champion was forced to miss last weekend’s Sakhir GP after testing positive following his victory the previous week in Bahrain.
Lewis Hamilton will return for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after his self-isolationCredit: AFP
Hamilton was placed into isolation for 10 days – a timeframe that elapsed on Wednesday – and underwent further tests, which came back negative.
The 35-year-old was given permission to travel to Abu Dhabi where he was tested on arrival on Thursday and the rapid test also produced a negative result.
As that test falls within the 96 hour window stipulated by the FIA, Hamilton has been granted entry to the paddock and will take part in today’s practice sessions.
It means George Russell, who filled in for Hamilton in the Sakhir GP and was denied a win on his debut for the team after Merc cocked-up his pitstop, will return on loan to Williams.
A Mercedes statement said: “The Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team is pleased to confirm that Lewis Hamilton will drive for the team in this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
“Lewis tested negative for COVID-19 on Wednesday prior to completion of his self-isolation period in Bahrain.
“This enabled him to travel to Abu Dhabi on Thursday afternoon, and he tested negative on arrival.
“Lewis has therefore completed the protocols required by the FIA for his entry to the paddock tomorrow and will be able to take part in the race weekend.
“George Russell will return to Williams Racing for the final event of the 2020 season.”
Russell, 22, says his family were reduced to tears after the pitstop fiasco while a late puncture saw him finish ninth.
Russell said: “My mum was in tears, bless her, afterwards, and my sister as well.
“We live this together, this sport, and it’s so passionate, emotions are so high and this was my first opportunity not just to win but to actually score points and that was such a big difference, and having that taken away from us not once, but twice, was difficult.
“Having time to reflect on that weekend I’ve left with my head held high and [I’m] proud of the job I managed to achieve last weekend.”
Hamilton has already secured his seventh world title and is going in search of his 12th win this season.
Lewis Hamilton expresses appreciation for support after testing positive for COVID-19 coronavirus
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
