Hamilton gets green light to race in Abu Dhabi

AFP| Abu Dhabi

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

World champion Lewis Hamilton was yesterday given the green light to return to racing at this weekend’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix after recovering from corona-virus. Hamilton, 35, missed last Sunday’s Sakhir GP but the FIA and Mercedes both confirmed that he had passed several negative Covid-19 tests after completing a 10-day quarantine period in Bahrain.

George Russell, who replaced Hamilton last week and came agonisingly close to a shock victory, will return to his Williams team. “The FIA, Formula 1 and Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1Team can today confirm that Lewis Hamilton has returned several negative COVID-19tests,” said a team statement. “He has completed his ten-day quarantine in Bahrain and was free to leave the country according to the Bahraini health authority regulations.

“Lewis has now arrived in Abu Dhabi following confirmation from the authorities that he could do so and after quarantining has now received a further negative test result.” The team added: “Lewis, having now tested negative in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi will be granted access to the paddock.” Russell, 22, was left “gutted” after finishing ninth last Sunday, having appeared to be set for victory before a rare bungled pit stop and a late slow puncture gave Racing Point’s Sergio Pérez maiden win.

Despite widespread speculation that he may even partner Hamilton at Mercedes next season, Russell said he would remain with Williams in 2021. To try and clarify his personal situation, Russell added: “Ultimately, I have a contract and I ’ma Williams driver for 2021, but my management is Mercedes. “I signed a deal with Mercedes back in 2016 and they are my managers. They invested in me, they put faith in me and that means a huge amount. “I am committed to Mercedes so I’m happy and confident with their guidance.” He added that his post-race suggestion last Sunday that he hoped he had given Mercedes team chief Toto Wolff a selection dilemma for next year was not a serious comment.

“It was just a throwaway remark in the heat of the moment,” he said. “Obviously emotions were high and what have you. I have a contract and am a Williams driver for 2021.”