Advertisement

Lewis Hamilton to miss Grand Prix after coronavirus bombshell

riley morgan
Sports Reporter
·2-min read
Mercedes champ Lewis Hamilton getting out of his race car.
Race officials have confirmed F1 and Mercedes champ Lewis Hamilton has tested positive for Covid-19. (Getty Images)

F1 champion Lewis Hamilton will miss the Sakhir Grand Prix after it was confirmed he had tested positive for Covid-19.

Race officials confirmed the news on Tuesday evening after a mandatory pre-race testing ahead of the Sakhir GP only days after the Bahrain GP, which was marred by the horrific crash of Romain Grosjean.

HITTING BACK: F1 responds to Ricciardo's 'disgusting' claims

‘SHOULDN’T HAPPEN’: Anger over 'worrying' detail in F1 crash

Hamilton had just notched his record-extending 95th win in Bahrain, which saw him finish ahead of Max Verstappen, who took his 41st career podium and a bonus point with the fastest lap.

Hamilton is in quarantine, according to officials and they are working to “ensure no wider impact on this weekend’s events.”

“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 said in a statement.

The record-breaking British driver is now the third driver this year to have been ruled out with the coronavirus after Sergio Perez at Silverstone and Lance Stroll in Germany.

Hamilton will need a negative result before he can return to the paddock.

Hamilton’s landmark in doubt

Hamilton’s goal of reaching 100 pole positions to cap off an "incredible year" appears to be over after his the latest development.

Hamilton moved to within two of the landmark after scoring his 10th pole of the season for Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix following the fastest lap ever recorded under the 495 bulbs that light up the Sakhir Circuit.

Hamilton galloped to the title which drew him level with Michael Schumacher's seven in Turkey a fortnight ago, but over one lap, he is the undisputed master too.

Hamilton was aiming to complete his century before the end of the year ahead of another race in Bahrain next Sunday - which he will now miss - before the season finale in Abu Dhabi on December 13.

Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.