Lewis Hamilton ‘improving’ but doubts over his participation at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix still remain

Lewis Hamilton missed the Sakhir Grand Prix last weekend, after testing positive for the coronavirus. Mercedes stated that Hamilton is ‘improving’, however question marks over his participation at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix remain. The British driver became the third driver to contact the virus this season. Hamilton has already secured his seventh World Championship title but he would be eager to participate in the last race of the season at Abu Dhabi.

Lewis Hamilton was replaced by George Russell for the Bahrain Grand Prix over the weekend, and he came agonizingly close to winning the race on two occasions, when a mishap from the mechanical team ruined his chances. He had a rear tyre puncture in the end, which could only give him a ninth place finish. There is still uncertainty in relation to who will drive for Mercedes this weekend alongside Valtteri Bottas.

Lewis Hamilton’s ten day mandatory self-islolation period will end on Thursday. He must return a negative test before going to Abu Dhabi. He will need to isolate for 24 more hours before he can get behind the wheels at the Yas Marina Circuit. Toto Wolff, Mercedes Boss has stated that they will do everything they can to have Hamilton driving for them over the weekend.

“There are still some question marks over who will be in the car this weekend in Abu Dhabi,” said Wolff. “Lewis’s condition is improving, but we won’t know until closer to the time if he will be driving. We’ll do everything we can to get him in the car and we know he’s determined to be back as soon as possible.But his health is our main priority, so we will see what the situation is and then make the call.”

We have a very special surprise this weekend in Abu Dhabi for our team members: Toto Wolff

The Mercedes team have decided to leave Hamilton’s participation in the race on a very late decision. However, Toto Wolff has prepared a surprise for his team members for the season finale at Abu Dhabi. Wolff revealed that they would be running a slightly different livery on its cars in Abu Dhabi which involves all names of it’s team members.

“We have a very special surprise this weekend in Abu Dhabi for our team members,” Wolff said. “We’ll be running a slightly different livery on Saturday and Sunday featuring everyone’s name on the car to honour the huge commitment and determination from everybody in Brixworth and Brackley.”

“Everyone has pushed hard this year, raising the bar through this massively intense season, and we hope this gesture goes some way in showing the appreciation we have for everyone involved,” he added.

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