With the world of Formula One still reeling from the images of Romain Grosjean’s incident and breathing a sigh of relief that the Frenchman is relatively unharmed following his Bahrain crash – many wondered what next in 2020? Today came the answer as in the strangest of all seasons it has been announced that the 7 time F1 Drivers’ World Champion Lewis Hamilton has tested positive for COVID-19 and as a result of this will miss this weekend’s Sakhir Grand Prix.

The official website of the record breaking Formula One constructors broke the most unexpected news through a statement at  www.mercedesamgf1.com

The Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team regrets to announce that Lewis Hamilton has tested positive for COVID-19 and will be unable to take part in this weekend’s Sakhir GP.

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 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.

We will announce our replacement driver plans for this weekend in due course.

Lewis Hamilton is a global superstar beyond Formula One and following a record equalling F1 Drivers' Championship and all his humanitarian work, speculation is rife that the Briton will be given a knighthood in the Honours' list. For now, Hamilton has made the headlines for a very different reason and Team LH44 and all who adore this icon of the sport will have him in their thoughts and prayers. 

Following Sunday’s incident it has already been announced that Pietro Fittipaldi will make his Formula 1 debut this weekend at the Sakhir Grand Prix replacing the injured Romain Grosjean.

https://www.motorlat.com/notas/f1/18081/f1-pietro-fittipaldi-to-replace-grosjean-in-the-sakhir-gp-weekend

Now all eyes are on seeing which driver is given the opportunity of a lifetime to replace Lewis Hamilton and race in the W11. Never would a driver have a greater chance of victory than competing in what is officially the fastest Formula One car in history.

However, no driver would have wanted to do so under such circumstances and thoughts of the motorsport community no doubt wish Lewis Hamilton a speedy recovery.