BREAKING NEWS: Hamilton Tests Positive for Covid-19

Lewis Hamilton has tested positive for Covid-19. He was tested three times last week, including Sunday afternoon as part of the regular testing programme and had returned a negative result each time.

However, he woke up on Monday morning with mild symptoms and was informed at the same time that a contact prior to arrival in Bahrain had subsequently tested positive. Lewis then took a further test which came back positive. This has since been confirmed by a retest.

Mercedes F1 said:

"Lewis is now isolating in accordance with COVID-19 protocols and public health authority guidelines in Bahrain. Apart from mild symptoms, he is otherwise fit and well, and the entire team sends him its very best wishes for a swift recovery. "

Mercedes will announce their replacement driver in due course - with a chance that it could be George Russell stepping in for the 7-Time World Champion.

Close contacts of Hamilton are being retested following the Briton’s test result. Hamilton is the third F1 driver to test positive for Covid-19 this season, following Sergio Perez at Silverstone and Lance Stroll in Germany.

Hamilton needs a negative test before being allowed to return to the paddock, and therefore remains a doubt for the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi.

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