Without Lewis Hamilton, who will drive the Mercedes? There is a favorite and a plan b

Lewis Hamilton tested positive for covid-19 and will miss the Sakhir Grand Prix in Bahrain next weekend

Lewis Hamilton tested positive for covid-19 and will not participate in the Sakhir Grand Prix next weekend, leaving Mercedes with a problem to solve quickly. Who will be in seat 44, teaming up with ValtteriBottas?

Instead of the already 2020 world champion, there are three candidates, with the specialized press pointing to George Russell of Williams, being the preferred option of the team led by Toto Wolff. However, the young Brit is under contract to Williams, which would leave Grove’s team to quickly find a replacement.

Stoffel Vandoorne is the other driver who could replace Hamilton this weekend. The Belgian is a reserve driver for Mercedes and would race free of charge. Being in Europe would delay his arrival in Bahrain, at least only on Wednesday night.