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Lewis Hamilton has declared himself “devastated” to have to miss the Sakhir Grand Prix after testing positive for COVID-19.
The test result of the seven-time world champion was announced Tuesday morning by the FIA, leaving Mercedes to find a replacement for the 35-year-old Briton in the penultimate race of the 2020 season.
Breaking his own silence on the matter, Hamilton, who has won the past five races, confirmed that he had been experiencing mild symptoms of the coronavirus and is now self-isolating for 10 days, which also jeopardizes his participation in concluding the Grand. Abu Dhabi Award on December 13.
A statement tweeted by Hamilton read: “Hi guys. I am devastated that I will not race this weekend.
“Since we started the season in June, my team and I have been taking every possible precaution and following regulations everywhere we have been to stay safe.
“Unfortunately, even though I got three negative results last week, I woke up yesterday morning with mild symptoms and requested another test that came back positive. I immediately isolated myself for 10 days.
“I am devastated that I will not be able to race this weekend, but my priority is to follow the protocols and advice to protect others.
“I am very lucky to feel good with mild symptoms and will do my best to stay fit and healthy.
“Please take care of yourself. You can never be too careful. These are worrying times for all of us and we must make sure that we take care of ourselves and others. Stay positive. “
– Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) December 1, 2020
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At lunchtime Tuesday, Mercedes had yet to announce who will replace Hamilton at the Sakhir Grand Prix alongside Valtteri Bottas, and the main contender is expected to be official reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne, who would be present anyway. in Bahrain.
Hamilton will become the third F1 driver this season to miss a race due to illness. Sergio Pérez tested positive for COVID-19 and had to miss both races at Silverstone, while his Racing Point teammate Lance Stroll did not participate in the Eifel Grand Prix at Nurburgring.
However, Stroll did not test positive for the coronavirus until after he returned home. Nico Hulkenberg replaced both of the Racing Point duo on short notice.
This will be the first time Hamilton has missed a race since he began his F1 career in 2007.
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