Lewis Hamilton has tested positive for coronavirus

F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton tests positive for coronavirus days after winning the Bahrain Grand Prix and will MISS this weekend’s Sakhir Grand Prix after a spell in isolation

  • Mercedes said Lewis Hamilton has mild symptoms but is otherwise fit and well
  • Hamilton will miss this weekend’s Sakhir Grand Prix after his diagnosis
  • The seven-time Formula One world champion is now in isolation 

Lewis Hamilton has tested positive for coronavirus just days after winning the Bahrain Grand Prix.

The seven-time Formula One world champion is in isolation after his positive result was announced on Tuesday morning and will miss the upcoming Sakhir Grand Prix in Bahrain this weekend.

An F1 statement said: ‘The FIA, Formula One and Mercedes Team can today confirm that during mandatory pre-race PRC testing for the Sakhir Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton has tested positive for Covid-19.

Lewis Hamilton has tested positive for coronavirus days after winning the Bahrain Grand Prix

Hamilton has had mild symptoms since Monday and has returned two positive tests

Hamilton has had mild symptoms since Monday and has returned two positive tests

‘In accordance with Covid-19 protocols, he is now isolating. All contacts have been declared. The procedures set out by the FIA and Formula One will ensure no wider impact on this weekend’s event.’

The 35-year-old Hamilton came down with mild symptoms on Monday morning and has returned two positive tests since.

The F1 statement continued, saying: ‘Lewis was tested three times last week and returned a negative result each time, the last of which was on Sunday afternoon at the Bahrain International Circuit as part of the standard race weekend testing programme.

‘However, he woke up on Monday morning with mild symptoms and was informed at the same time that a contact prior to his arrival in Bahrain had subsequently tested positive.

Hamilton was tested three times around last weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix - all were negative

Hamilton was tested three times around last weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix – all were negative

‘Lewis therefore took a further test and returned a positive result. This has since been confirmed by a retest.’

Mercedes added: ‘Lewis is now isolating in accordance with Covid-19 protocols. 

‘Apart from mild symptoms, he is otherwise fit and well, and the entire team sends him its very best wishes for a swift recovery.’  

Hamilton, who wrapped up his record-equalling seventh world championship in Turkey last month, is the third driver to have contracted the illness.

Sergio Perez missed the British and 70th Anniversary Grands Prix at Silverstone in August, while his Racing Point team-mate Lance Stroll also tested positive following October’s Eifel Grand Prix in Germany.



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