F1 world Champion, Lewis Hamilton has tested positive for coronavirus, just days after winning the Bahrain Grand Prix.
According to the reports by his Mercedes team which broke the news on Monday 1st December 2020, stated that F1 world champion, Lewis Hamilton has mild symptoms and has been forced to isolate in a hotel in Bahrain for 10 days. This means he will be ruled out of the upcoming Sakhir Grand Prix.
Hamilton was seen exchanging elbow taps with members of the Mercedes team in the aftermath of his victory in Bahrain over the weekend.
He shared footage of himself running along the beach and also posted a video of himself playing tennis with his father. Taking to Instagram, Hamilton joked that the pair were trying to improve before tagging Serena Williams, asking for tips.
Mercedes say the 7-time F1 world champion, was tested extensively last week, returning three negative results, including one on Sunday afternoon at the Bahrain International Circuit.
However, on Monday he woke up with mild coronavirus symptoms before being informed that a contact prior to his arrival in Bahrain had tested positive for the illness.
Hamilton then took another test which came back positive and was confirmed by a further retest.
A Formula One statement on Tuesday 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.
‘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.’
Mercedes added in a statement of their own:
‘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.
‘Lewis therefore took a further test and returned a positive result. This has since been confirmed by a retest.’
‘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.’