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The “FIA” confirmed in a statement that the world champion has entered self-isolation and that people who have contacted him will be followed up.
The statement reads: “LIVIA, Formula One and the Mercedes team can confirm today that the mandatory tests preceding the Sakhir Grand Prix event were positive for Lewis Hamilton’s Corona virus.”
He added: “In accordance with Corona protocols and instructions from the health authorities in Bahrain, the British citizen has entered a state of isolation. Everyone who has contacted them has been announced. Now they are taking the procedures for VIA and Formula One to ensure there are no broader effects this weekend. “
The Mercedes team will announce the identity of Hamilton’s replacement “at a later time.”
Stoffel Vandorne and Esteban Gutiérrez play as official reserve drivers for Mercedes, although Nico Hulkenberg, who has driven three rounds this season with Racing Point, would be a likely candidate.
Mercedes said in its statement that it “regrets the announcement of Lewis Hamilton’s infection with the Coronavirus and his inability to participate in the Sakhir Grand Prix this weekend.”
He added: “Three tests were conducted for Lewis last week, and all were negative each time, the last of which was on Sunday afternoon in Bahrain as part of the normal weekend testing program.”
He continued: “But he woke up on Sunday morning with some mild symptoms and at the same time he was informed that there was a positive infection among someone who had contacted them. He did a further test and it came back positive. This was confirmed by performing a additional analysis “.
He then continued: “Lewis is now in self-isolation in accordance with the Covid-19 protocols and the directives of the Bahrain health authorities. Except for mild symptoms, he is in good shape and the whole team wishes him a speedy recovery.”
He concluded: “We will announce our plans regarding the driver, who will replace him at the appropriate time.”
