Formula One champion, Lewis Hamilton has gone into self-isolation after testing positive for COVID-19, Mercedes confirmed on Tuesday.

As a result, the British racer will miss this weekend’s Sakhir Grand Prix, his first Grand Prix miss in his 14-season career, ending a record run of 265 consecutive starts.

The Mercedes driver returned three negative tests last week but began displaying mild symptoms on Monday and was informed at the same time that a contact prior to his arrival in Bahrain had subsequently tested positive for Covid-19.

Mercedes further added that Hamilton who is showing mild symptoms is ” fit and well” and his temporary replacement will be announced “in due course”.

“The Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team regrets to announce that Lewis Hamilton has tested positive for COVID-19 and will be unable to take part in this weekend’s Sakhir GP.

“Lewis was tested three times last week and returned a negative result each time, the last of which was on Sunday afternoon at the Bahrain International Circuit as part of the standard race weekend testing programme.

“However, he woke up on Monday morning with mild symptoms and was informed at the same time that a contact prior to arrival in Bahrain had subsequently tested positive. Lewis therefore took a further test and returned a positive result. This has since been confirmed by a retest.

“Lewis is now isolating in accordance with COVID-19 protocols and public health authority guidelines in Bahrain. Apart from mild symptoms, he is otherwise fit and well, and the entire team sends him its very best wishes for a swift recovery,” Mercedes’ statement read.

Recall that the 35-year-old clinched his record-equalling seventh world championship three weeks ago in Turkey.

He was also honoured as a Game Changer at the 2020 GQ Men Of The Year Awards held on Thursday, Nov 27.

However, the former McLaren driver becomes the third F1 driver to contract Covid-19 this season after Racing Point’s Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll.