Lewis Hamilton ruled out of Sakhir Grand Prix in Bahrain after positive Covid-19 test

Formula One F1 - Bahrain Grand Prix - Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain - November 29, 2020, Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton celebrates with a trophy on the podium after winning the race. [Reuters, Giuseppe Cacace]

Seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton has been ruled out of the Sakhir Grand Prix in Bahrain following a positive coronavirus (Covid-19) test.

The Mercedes driver was tested three times last week including Sunday, November 29 when he sealed the 2020 title by winning the Bahrain Grand Prix.

According to Mercedes, Hamilton returned a negative result each time.

BREAKING: Lewis Hamilton will miss this weekend's Sakhir Grand Prix in Bahrain after a positive test for Covid-19 pic.twitter.com/c0XCfyDmWZ

— Formula 1 (@F1) December 1, 2020

On Monday, November 30, Hamilton is said to have woke up with “mild symptoms” and was informed that a contact before their arrival in Bahrain had also tested positive.

Formula One F1 - Bahrain Grand Prix - Bahrain International Circuit, Sakhir, Bahrain - November 29, 2020 Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton celebrates on the podium after winning the race. [Reuters, Bryn Lennon]

Hamilton is now in self-isolation in accordance with Covid-19 protocols and public health guidelines in Bahrain.

Hamilton is the third F1 driver to test positive for Covid-19 this year after Lance Stroll in Germany and Sergio Perez at Silverstone.