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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Philip Duncan

Lewis Hamilton declared fit for F1 finale after recovering from coronavirus

Lewis Hamilton has been declared fit to take part in the concluding round of the Formula One season in Abu Dhabi.

The seven-time world champion, 35, arrived here on Thursday following 10 days of quarantine in Bahrain after he contracted coronavirus.

George Russell, who stood in for Hamilton at last weekend's Sakhir Grand Prix - and was cruelly robbed of victory on his debut for the world champions - returns to Williams.

"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," the world champions said in a statement late on Thursday evening.

"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.

Lewis Hamilton will race in Abu Dhabi (James Moy Photography/PA Images)

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

Hamilton reported on Tuesday that he had endured one of the worst weeks in recent years as he battled to overcome the illness.

In his absence last weekend, Russell, 22, delivered an imperious performance.

He was on course to become only the fourth British driver to win a Formula One race this century before a Mercedes pit-stop howler - and then a late puncture - derailed his bid.

"My mum was in tears afterwards and my sister, too," said Russell, who completed his media duties on Thursday wearing a Mercedes top.

George Russell had deputised (James Moy Photography/PA Images)

"We live this sport together and it is so passionate, and emotions are so high. It was my first opportunity, not just for a win but to score points, and to have that taken away, not once but twice, was difficult.

"But having had time to reflect on the weekend, I have my head held high and I am proud of the job I managed to achieve.

"Last week exceeded expectations, but it is nice to have been recognised for the job I did and I will be approaching this weekend the same.

"I still have a hell of a lot to learn and it is going to be difficult. But it will be great to get another opportunity."

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