Mercedes have confirmed they will wait to make a decision on their driver line-up for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, this as Lewis Hamilton’s health improves.
Last week in Bahrain, the seven-time world champion missed his first Formula 1 race since debuting in 2007 after testing positive for Covid-19 following a trip to Dubai.
Since then there had been radio silence on social media from Hamilton, with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff describing his situation as “not great” over the weekend.
However, on Tuesday, the 35-year-old returned to Instagram with this positive update.
“Hi everyone. I hope you’re all well,” began Hamilton.
“I know I’ve not been in touch this past week, but it’s definitely been one of the hardest weeks I’ve had for some time and I’ve just been focused on recovering and trying to get back in shape so I can get back in the car and race the final race in Abu Dhabi.
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“I woke up today feeling great and got my first workout in, so I just want to send you guys a message of positivity to let you know I’m okay and thank every single one of you for sending me the amazing messages and videos. I really appreciate it.
“I hope wherever you are, you are staying positive and fighting through whatever it is you’re facing and I hope I can get back in the car soon. I’m sending you guys love.”
Then, in Mercedes’ preview ahead of the race at Yas Marina, Wolff made it clear no decision was yet made, this despite George Russell being named in Mercedes’ press conference on Thursday.
“There are still some question marks over who will be in the car this weekend in Abu Dhabi,” said the Austrian.
“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.”
Mercedes do have until qualifying on Saturday to make that decision but Hamilton does still face a lot of hurdles between now and making it back inside the car.
First, he has to finish quarantine in Bahrain, which he will do on Thursday, then he has to provide four negative tests and be granted an exemption from the government simply to be allowed into Abu Dhabi via private jet.
Furthermore, Hamilton would then need to be in isolation for another 24 hours after arrival in the special lockdown bubble that has been created on Yas Island strictly for F1 personnel only.
This means by 5pm on Friday at the latest, we should know if Lewis will contest the season finale or not.