F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has tested positive for coronavirus just days after winning the Bahrain Grand Prix.
The British driver, 35, has mild symptoms according to his Mercedes team and has been forced to isolate in a hotel in Bahrain for 10 days, ruling him out of the upcoming Sakhir Grand Prix.
It comes after Hamilton marked clinching the championship on November 15 by heading home to Monaco and celebrating with his family.
He shared footage of himself running along the beach and also posted a video of himself playing tennis with his father. Taking to Instagram, Hamilton joked that the pair were trying to improve before tagging Serena Williams, asking for tips.
Mercedes say Hamilton was tested extensively last week, returning three negative results, including one on Sunday afternoon at the Bahrain International Circuit.
However, on Monday he woke up with mild coronavirus symptoms before being informed that a contact prior to his arrival in Bahrain had tested positive for the illness.
Hamilton then took another test which came back positive and was confirmed by a further retest.
The seven-time world champion, due to be knighted in the New Year’s Honours List, has not missed an F1 race since his debut in the sport in 2007 but will now sit on the sidelines for the penultimate race of the season.
A Formula One statement on Tuesday said: ‘The FIA, Formula One and Mercedes Team can today confirm that during mandatory pre-race PRC testing for the Sakhir Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton has tested positive for Covid-19.
‘In accordance with Covid-19 protocols, he is now isolating. All contacts have been declared. The procedures set out by the FIA and Formula One will ensure no wider impact on this weekend’s event.’