Hamilton return in doubt after Wolff airs concerns

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said it would require a “very positive development” for Lewis Hamilton to race again before the end of the season.

The seven-time champion is missing from this weekend’s Sakhir Grand Prix after testing positive for Covid-19 on Monday

Hamilton is currently in the middle of a 10-day isolation period, and while it is possible he could be cleared in time to make Friday practice for the season-ending race in Abu Dhabi, Wolff was cautious on his chances.

“We’ve seen tests that were negative within 10 days, so I think that is perfectly feasible," said Wolff. "But it would be a very positive development.

“You need to look at the situation because there are many athletes and sportspeople out there that have tested positive for a long time after any symptoms and after they have been in any way infectious.”

Hamilton had been in Dubai with his family, including father Anthony and brother Nic, prior to last weekend’s Bahrain GP but returned two negative results in tests before and after that race.

The 35-year-old, however, was tested again after being informed a member of his ‘Dubai bubble’ had contracted the illness and it was then when he returned his positive test.

Asked if the team had given Hamilton permission to visit Dubai, Wolff added: “Lewis doesn’t need any permission. He can drive anything he wants, jump out of every aeroplane he wants because he knows what’s good for him.

“He is a grown-up man, and this was never an issue. Contracting Covid-19 is something we are not all very sure where you get it. It’s just unfortunate.

“He was protecting himself a lot, then you go to Dubai, wear your mask all the time, then come back with Covid. These things happen.”

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