Lewis Hamilton hopes to return to racing after one of the 'hardest weeks' of his life

ByPete Hall

Published 08/12/2020 at 19:11 GMT

Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton missed the Sakhir Grand Prix on Sunday after testing positive for Covid-19 in Bahrain, with George Russell stepping in, but is targeting a return at the Abu Dhabi for a season finale. Hamilton has already secured his seventh world title in Turkey last month.

Lewis Hamilton hopes to return for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after "one of the hardest weeks" of his life following a positive test for Covid-19.

The Mercedes driver, who secured his record-equalling seventh title in Turkey last month, missed Sunday's Sakhir Grand Prix after testing positive in Bahrain.

"It has been one of the hardest weeks I've had for some time," the 35-year-old Briton said in a video on social media on Tuesday.

Bahrain Grand Prix

Hamilton describes shock Ferrari move as 'hardest decision I've ever had to make'

23/02/2024 at 15:35

• Sebastian Vettel has big shoes to fill as Sergio Perez's replacement, says Brawn
• Wolff on Russell: A star is born and sky's the limit

"I've just been focusing on recovering and trying to get back in shape so I can get back in the car and race in Abu Dhabi. I woke up today feeling great and got my first workout in so I just wanted to send you guys a message of positivity, let you know I'm OK. I hope that I can get back in the car soon."

Hamilton did not say whether he had tested negative yet, which will be a requirement for travel to Abu Dhabi for next Sunday's race.

Formula One teams and associated personnel were allowed to enter Abu Dhabi on Monday on specific flights from Bahrain, with staff then confined to circuit hotels within a protective bubble.

George Russell stood in for Hamilton in Bahrain

Image credit: Getty Images

Hamilton would be able to fly to Abu Dhabi on a private jet but would still need the approval of the authorities.

In the champion's absence, stand-in George Russell sparkled in Bahrain but was denied an almost certain win due to a pitstop mix-up and late puncture. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has said Russell, who normally drives for the Williams team, would race again if Hamilton is unavailable for Yas Marina.

Practice starts on Friday and Hamilton will need to be cleared and in place by Saturday qualifying if he is to take part in the race.

Formula 1

Verstappen says Hamilton could face 'awkward, weird' last season with Mercedes

15/02/2024 at 23:54

Formula 1

'It is very surreal' - Hamilton reflects on Mercedes career ahead of Ferrari switch

00:00:54

|

14/02/2024 at 17:31

Season 2024

'Emotional' Hamilton determined for success ahead of Ferrari move as Mercedes launch new car

14/02/2024 at 17:32