Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has tested positive for coronavirus.
He will miss the Sakhir Grand Prix in Bahrain this weekend.
Mercedes confirmed the driver had “mild symptoms” and had a Covid-19 test in Bahrain.
A close contact had also tested positive.
Mercedes said in a statement:
“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 Grand Prix.
“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 has 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.
“Apart from mild symptoms, he is otherwise fit and well, and the entire team sends him our very best wishes for a swift recovery.
“We will announce our replacement driver plans for this weekend in due course.”
An F1 statement added:
“The FIA, Formula 1 and Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team can today confirm that during mandatory pre-race PCR testing for the Sakhir Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton has tested positive for Covid-19.
“In accordance with Covid-19 protocols and public health authority guidelines in Bahrain he is now isolating. All contacts have been declared.
“The procedures set out by the FIA and Formula 1 will ensure no wider impact on this weekend’s event.”
