Breaking news
Formula 1 Abu Dhabi GP
Hamilton will race in Abu Dhabi GP after testing negative
Lewis Hamilton has been given the all-clear to return to Formula 1 action after passing negative coronavirus tests in both Bahrain and Abu Dhabi.
Jonathan Noble
Edited: Dec 10, 2020, 6:00 PM
Copy link
Share on Viber
The world champion was forced to miss last weekend's Sakhir Grand Prix because of being infected with the virus, but tests that have taken place in the last few days have shown him to be all clear.
The completion of his quarantine period and the signing off with negative tests means that he will return to Mercedes for the F1 season finale.
A statement from Mercedes said: "Lewis tested negative for COVID-19 on Wednesday prior to completion of his self-isolation period in Bahrain. This enabled him to travel to Abu Dhabi on Thursday afternoon, and he tested negative on arrival.
"Lewis has therefore completed the protocols required by the FIA for his entry to the paddock tomorrow and will be able to take part in the race weekend."
Read Also:
- Russell insists he will drive for Williams in F1 2021
- Mercedes made "minor" car changes to help Russell fit better
- Wolff: Mercedes “mustn’t be carried away” with Russell display
Hamilton's return to action means that George Russell, who filled in for him in Bahrain last weekend, will be returning to Williams for the final round of the season.
That also means Williams reserve driver Jack Aitken will stand down after making his F1 debut at the Sakhir GP.
Hamilton had to pass a number of negative coronavirus tests in Bahrain before being free to leave the country.
Following his arrival in Abu Dhabi, he had to quarantine before getting confirmation of a further negative test. The FIA said that no special exemption had been given to him, and he had to follow procedures that were standard for everyone.
"The FIA COVID-19 protocols remain clear and have not changed," said the FIA. "A negative pre-test result is necessary to be given access to the Formula 1 Paddock as set out in Appendix S to the International Sporting Code and another negative test result no more than 24 hours following arrival is required.
"Lewis, having now tested negative in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi will be granted access to the Paddock."
Hamilton's absence from last weekend's Sakhir Grand Prix was the first F1 race he had missed since his made his debut at the 2007 Australian Grand Prix.
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Russell insists he will drive for Williams in F1 2021
Next article Ferrari CEO Camilleri announces shock retirement
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Jonathan Noble
Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours
Formula 1
Formula 1 Dec 31, 2024
Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours
The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season
Formula 1
Formula 1 Dec 31, 2024
The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season
Verstappen issues Red Bull title warning in push for RB21 progress
Formula 1
Formula 1
Australian GP
Dec 28, 2024
Verstappen issues Red Bull title warning in push for RB21 progress
More from
Lewis Hamilton
F1 driver contracts: How long is each driver tied down for?
Formula 1
Formula 1 5 h
F1 driver contracts: How long is each driver tied down for?
Max Verstappen on Ferrari clashes: "I would never sign two number-one drivers"
Formula 1
Formula 1
Sao Paulo GP
1 d
Max Verstappen on Ferrari clashes: "I would never sign two number-one drivers"
Latest news
Why aerodynamics will become "even more important" under 2027 MotoGP regulations
MotoGP
MGP MotoGP
Qatar GP
8 min
Why aerodynamics will become "even more important" under 2027 MotoGP regulations
Sebastien Bourdais hopes latest WEC success will remind teams of his value
WEC
WEC WEC
Monza
1 h
Sebastien Bourdais hopes latest WEC success will remind teams of his value
"It's horribly painful" - Williams drops 2026 car upgrades to benefit 2027
Formula 1
F1 Formula 1
Sao Paulo GP
2 h
"It's horribly painful" - Williams drops 2026 car upgrades to benefit 2027
Feature
Discover prime content
Top 10 F1 cars of the 1970s
Formula 1
By Kevin Turner
Top 10 F1 cars of the 1970s
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe