Lewis Hamilton is hoping to recover from COVID-19 in time to race at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend after posting his first video message on Instagram since beginning his isolation.
The seven-time world champion tested positive for COVID on Monday last week and missed the Sakhir Grand Prix last weekend while isolated in Bahrain.
In an update to his fans on Tuesday, he spoke about his fight against the virus and revealed that he had completed his first workout since developing symptoms.
He hopes to be able to return to the cockpit of his Mercedes this weekend in Abu Dhabi for the last Formula 1 race of the season.
“Hi everyone, I hope you are all well,” he said in the message. “I know I haven’t been in touch for the past week, but it was definitely one of the toughest weeks I’ve had in a while.
“I just focused on recovering and getting back in shape so I could get back in the car and race in the final race in Abu Dhabi.”
“I woke up today and felt great and did my first workout. So I just wanted to send you a positive message and let you know that I’m fine. I want to thank each and every one of you for the great news sent and videos.
“I really appreciate it and I hope that wherever you are, you stay positive and fight your way through whatever lies ahead. I hope to get back in the car soon and yes, I send you love . “
Hamilton has been replaced at the Sakhir Grand Prix by Williams driver George Russell, who will remain on standby if Hamilton cannot drive in Abu Dhabi.
“When Lewis recovers – and is better every day – and he is considered Covid-free, negative [test result], then he will be in the car, “confirmed Wolff on Sunday.
To be declared eligible for return to the F1 paddock, Hamilton must return a negative test result for COVID in accordance with the FIA’s testing procedures. He must also follow government guidelines in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi to travel from Bahrain to the United Arab Emirates and arrive on the route.
“The main part in all of this has always been compliance with the laws and regulations of the respective governments,” said FIA race director Michael Masi.
“So it is a decision for the Bahraini health authorities to determine whether Lewis is fit and complying with their regulations, and then for the authorities in Abu Dhabi to set their criteria. So there are effectively two government agencies that set the entry criteria.
“If he meets the entry criteria of the respective governments and then continues to comply with the test protocol from the FIA’s point of view – in order to test negative before entering the paddock – there are no problems in our view.”
To be able to take part in the race on Sunday, he must either take part in qualifying on Saturday or in one of the three training sessions on Saturday and Friday.
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