Hamilton’s got green light to go
LEWIS HAMILTON will take part in the last round of the Formula One season after two negative Covid- 19 tests.
The seven- time world champion arrived in Abu Dhabi yesterday following 10 days of quarantine in Bahrain after he contracted coronavirus.
George Russell, who stood in for Hamilton at last weekend’s Sakhir Grand Prix – and was cruelly robbed of victory on his debut for the world champions – returns to Williams.
In a statement, Hamilton’s Mercedes team 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.”
Hamilton reported on Tuesday that he had endured one of his worst weeks in recent years as he battled to overcome the illness.
In his absence last weekend, Russell delivered an imperious performance. The 22- year- old was on course to become only the fourth British driver to win a Formula One race this century before a silver Arrows pit- stop howler – and then a late puncture – derailed his bid.
Russell, who spoke to the media yesterday wearing a Mercedes top, admitted: “It was my first opportunity, not just for a win but to score points, and to have that taken away, not once but twice, was difficult.”