The British Lewis Hamilton tested positive for coronavirus and he will not be able to compete in the Sakhir Grand Prix, in Bahrain, next weekend, his team and the International Automobile Federation (FIA) announced on Tuesday.

“He woke up on Monday with mild symptoms and, at the same time, was informed that a person with whom he was in contact prior to his arrival in Bahrain (last week) tested positive,” Mercedes said in a statement.

Lewis underwent a diagnostic test and tested positive. “It feels good,” added his team.

“At this moment he is isolated”, explained the FIA ​​in its official statement, estimating that the established sanitary procedures mean that its diagnosis does not have a major impact on the test this weekend.

The name of the driver who will replace him has not yet been announced. Mercedes has two drivers in reserve: the Mexican They were Gutiérrez and the belgian Stoffel vandoorne.

Hamilton, who is already a 2020 world champion, has seven world titles to his name, a record that he only shares with Germany’s Michael Schumacher.

Last Sunday the Briton was proclaimed champion of the Bahrain Grand Prix. Next weekend the Sakhir Formula 1 Grand Prix will be held, also on the international circuit of Bahrain.