The FIA and F1 confirmed on Thursday evening that they had authorized Lewis Hamilton to enter the paddock at the Yas Marina circuit to compete in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend, to conclude the 2020 Fomule 1 season.
The Briton had been in isolation in Bahrain for ten days after testing positive for Covid-19, and had been replaced by George Russell for the Sakhir Grand Prix disputed last week.
Mercedes F1 immediately confirmed that Hamilton will be back behind the wheel this weekend, while Russell will compete in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with Williams to end the 2020 season.
“The Mercedes team is happy to confirm that Lewis Hamilton will drive for the team at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend” wrote the team in a statement, explaining the protocols applied.
“Lewis tested negative for Covid-19 on Wednesday before the end of his period of isolation in Bahrain. This allowed him to travel to Abu Dhabi on Thursday afternoon, and he tested negative on arrival.”
“Lewis has therefore completed the protocols required for his entry into the paddock tomorrow and will be able to take part in the race weekend. George Russell will return to Williams for the final round of the season.”
In its joint press release with F1, the FIA specifies that the protocols followed and validated by Hamilton were the same as those suffered by Sergio Pérez, Lance Stroll and other people with Covid-19 during the season.
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