Sports

Lewis Hamilton feels ‘lucky’ but ‘gutted’ after contracting COVID-19

Published

December 1, 2020

Formula One champion, Lewis Hamilton has reacted from isolation after testing positive for the deadly COVID-19.

Mercedes confirmed that the 35-year-old has gone into self-isolation and will be missing this weekend’s Sakhir Grand Prix.

The Briton in a post on his verified Twitter handle said he is gutted to be missing the race, which unfortunately will be his first Grand Prix miss in his 14-season career, ending a record run of 265 consecutive starts.

Hamilton who had tested negative after three previous tests before his last came back positive, however, added that he is lucky to be feeling “ ok with only mild symptoms” and promised his 6.1M followers that he “will do my best to stay fit and healthy.”

The Briton who won the Game Changer award holder at the 2020 GQ Men Of The Year Awards went further to advise his fans to stay safe and look out for each other, adding that one “can never be too careful.”

Read his full statement below:

“Hi guys, I’m devastated that I won’t be racing this weekend. Since we started the season in June. My team and I have been taking all the precautions we possibly can and following the regulations everywhere we’ve been in order to stay safe.

“Unfortunately, even though I returned three negative results this past week. I woke up yesterday morning with mild symptoms and requested another test which came back positive. I’ve immediately gone into self-isolation for ten days.

“I’m gutted not to be able to race this weekend but my priority is to follow the protocol and advice to protect others. I’m really lucky that I feel ok with only mild symptoms and will do my best to stay fit and healthy. Please look after yourselves out there you can never be too careful.

“These are worrying times for everyone and we need to make sure we are looking after ourselves and each other. Stay positive.”