Bahrain: Formula One (F1) World Champion Lewis Hamilton has tested positive for COVID 19 and will miss this weekend’s Sakhir Grand Prix in Bahrain, FIA announced on Tuesday (December 1).
“In accordance with COVID-19 protocols and public health authority guidelines in Bahrain he (Hamilton) is now isolating,” said FIA in a statement. “The procedures set out by the FIA and Formula 1 will ensure no wider impact on this weekend’s event.”
Hamilton who won the Bahrain Grand Prix on Sunday, the first of back-to-back races in the Gulf state, has already secured a record-equalling seventh World Championship this season.
The statement further read, “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, 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 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.”
Hamilton had been tested three times last week and returned a negative result each time as part of the sport’s strict anti-virus protocols according to the team. However, on Monday morning he woke up with mild symptoms and subsequently tested positive.
