Breaking: Lewis Hamilton to return for F1 Abu Dhabi season finale

Lewis Hamilton

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Breaking: Hamilton to return for F1 Abu Dhabi season finale

Hamilton missed the Sakhir GP after testing positive for Covid-19

Sam Hall

Thursday 10 December 2020 18:45 Updated: 18:52

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Lewis Hamilton will return to action in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after testing negative on numerous occasions for Covid-19.

Hamilton was forced to sit out the Sakhir GP last weekend after being struck down by the coronavirus, but after a 10-day period of isolation, the seven-time champion will be back in the W11 for Friday's practice session at the Yas Marina circuit.

The FIA confirmed in a statement: "The FIA, Formula 1 and Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team can today confirm that Lewis Hamilton has returned a number of negative COVID-19 tests.

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"He has completed his 10-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 FIA COVID-19 protocols remain clear and have not changed. A negative pre-test result is necessary to be given access to the Formula 1 paddock as set out in Appendix S to the International Sporting Code and another negative test result no more than 24 hours following arrival is required.

"Lewis, having now tested negative in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi will be granted access to the paddock."

Hamilton's return means stand-in George Russell, who performed so admirably in the absence of the 35-year-old, will again drive for Williams alongside team-mate Nicholas Latifi, with Jack Aitken stepping down to reserve duties.

Via its own statement, Mercedes reiterated the information relayed by the FIA.

"The Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team is pleased to confirm that Lewis Hamilton will drive for the team in this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix," it read.

"Lewis tested negative for COVID-19 on Wednesday prior to completion of his self-isolation period in Bahrain. This enabled him to travel to Abu Dhabi on Thursday afternoon, and he tested negative on arrival.

"Lewis has therefore completed the protocols required by the FIA for his entry to the paddock tomorrow and will be able to take part in the race weekend.

"George Russell will return to Williams Racing for the final event of the 2020 season.".