Lewis Hamilton back for final race of 2020 after negative Covid test

George Russell will return to Williams after Lewis Hamilton tests negative for Covid-19, clearing the way for him to race in Abu Dhabi

Lewis Hamilton smiles after winning the 2020 F1 Bahrain Grand Prix

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Lewis Hamilton has tested negative for Covid-19 and will return for Mercedes at this weekend’s Abu Dhabi season finale.

George Russell had been preparing to replace the 2020 World Champion for the second race in a row, but will now resume his seat at Williams, meaning reserve driver Jack Aitken will not get another chance to race this year.

“The Mercedes-AMG F1 team is pleased to confirm that Lewis Hamilton will drive for the team in this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix,” said Mercedes in a statement.

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“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 [Friday] 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.”

Hamilton first reported Covid symptoms the day after his Bahrain Grand Prix win and a positive test prevented him from racing in the second Bahrain race where Russell made an impressive debut.

His participation in the Abu Dhabi race remained unknown this morning, so Russell took on Mercedes media duties today.