Lewis Hamilton arrives at the Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi as Formula One star returns from coronavirus
Is he wearing the chequered flag? Lewis Hamilton is seen for the first time since recovering from coronavirus as he arrives at practice for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in a VERY eye-catching outfit
- Lewis Hamilton took to the track in Abu Dhabi having missed Sakhir Grand Prix
- He was pictured upon arrival, along with his bulldog Roscoe, at Yas Marina
- FIA confirmed that Hamilton tested negative for Covid-19 before his return
- British driver was given all-clear amid much secrecy from local authorities
Lewis Hamilton has made a dramatic return to action following his coronavirus ordeal by taking part in practice ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Mercedes driver was give the all clear amid much secrecy by local authorities following his lay-off.
And he arrived on track, accompanied by treasured bulldog Roscoe, wearing an eye-catching black and white outfit, bucket hat and face mask.
Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton is back from his coronavirus lay-off and has taken part in a practice session before his return
The Mercedes star was dropped off at the Yas Marina circuit on Friday morning after testing negative before and after flying
Hamilton, 35, strolled out in Abu Dhabi wearing a £440 jacket and matching trousers by American fashion label Pryor Moss
Hamilton took to track in Abu Dhabi and was able to get a feel for his car once more ahead of the final race of the 2020 season
He appeared to be supporting black designer Kerby Jean-Raymond in wearing the stylish look.
Shortly after his arrival, the seven-time world champion was back in the cockpit and getting a feel for the circuit ahead of the final race of the season.
He was absent for the Sakhir Grand Prix in Bahrain – the first race he has missed since his Formula One debut in 2007.
Mercedes, knowing the depth of his desire, promised to give him until the last moment to prove his fitness.
Hamilton’s treasured pet Roscoe was also in tow, battling the warm conditions in Abu Dhabi
The British driver has won in Abu Dhabi before and will be looking for a repeat performance
Hamilton served his 10-day quarantine in Bahrain. The FIA have confirmed that he tested negative for Covid, a prerequisite for entering Abu Dhabi.
All the F1 community is stationed on Yas Island close to the track after being subjected to swabbing on arrival at the airport.
Although most of the 1,200-strong group arrived here in a sequence of charter flights on Monday, Hamilton was allowed special dispensation to touch down on Thursday.
That is bad news for George Russell, his fellow Englishman, who stepped into the breach a week ago and nearly won the race only to be hit by a pit-stop blunder and then a puncture.
Hamilton is desperate to be back in the cockpit after missing the Sakhir Grand Prix in Bahrain
‘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 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.’
George Russell, who stood in for Hamilton at the Sakhir Grand Prix, returns to Williams
Russell was cruelly robbed of victory on his debut for the world champions last weekend
