After returning a number of negative COVID tests, Lewis Hamilton will contest this weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Just hours after George Russell represented the German team in the official FIA press conference, Mercedes announced that Lewis Hamilton had returned a negative number of COVID tests and is therefore free to contest the season finale.

"The FIA, Formula 1 and Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team can today confirm that Lewis Hamilton has returned a number of negative COVID-19 tests," read the official statement.

"He has completed his ten day quarantine in Bahrain and was free to leave the country according to the Bahraini health authority regulations.

"Lewis has now arrived in Abu Dhabi following confirmation from the authorities that he could do so and after quarantining has now received a further negative test result.

"The FIA COVID-19 protocols remain clear and have not changed. A negative pre-test result is necessary to be given access to the Formula 1 Paddock as set out in Appendix S to the International Sporting Code and another negative test result no more than 24 hours following arrival is required. Lewis, having now tested negative in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi will be granted access to the Paddock."

This means that Russell will return to Williams, while Jack Aitken, who was on standby, will sit-out the weekend.

Check out our Thursday gallery from Yas Island, here.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by C5, 11/12/2020 16:06

"Glad Lewis is fine.

Massively disappointed Russel won't be driving the last race in the Merc.

Obviously never going to happen, but it would be very interesting if Lewis would swap his seat for the Williams for this one race."

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2. Posted by Spindoctor, 11/12/2020 15:46

"Some dog-in-the-manger and ungracious comments floating around. People suggesting that George's performance shows that "anyone" can win in the Merc rather misses crucial points:

1. Bottas - a fast driver- has been driving the same car for years - still hasn't beaten Lewis consistently
2. Nico only beat Lewis over a season when Lewis' car suffered lots of failures
3. Maybe George is, like Lewis, an exceptional driver - that could explain why he did so well.
4. Lewis was generally faster than 'fan's favourite' Alonso in 1st season in F1 - car advantage then?
5.Lewis & Team have worked together to develop the package Like Schumacher\Brawn

I doubt Lewis is that bothered about "Planet Paddock" he beats them all most race weekends. They all know that modern F1 drivers aren't just Jocks who can drive fast. Driver feedback is vital in developing the "best" cars & the Paddock knows how much input Hamilton has had into the Merc.

"

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3. Posted by F One, 11/12/2020 13:21

"Worst news of the season."

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4. Posted by Wokingchap, 11/12/2020 10:44

"Lewis, and Mercedes, would gain hugely positive vibes from all and sundry including media, fans and even non fans by letting George drive this weekend. Obviously quite the opposite if they don't. Just my opinion."

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5. Posted by Simon in Adelaide, 10/12/2020 23:45

"Perhaps this has more to do with Lewis' insecurity and wishing planet paddock does not see that the dominance of the car has played a greater part in his success."

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6. Posted by KKK, 10/12/2020 19:20

"wrong decision. he should have rested. he has nothing to prove. What if he has an accident ?"

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7. Posted by @R1Racing71, 10/12/2020 18:49

"As a massive Hamilton fan boy since 2006. I’m gutted with this news. (Obviously happy he is in gods health not withstanding)"

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8. Posted by Wokingchap, 10/12/2020 18:32

"Ooohhh nooooooo no no no.....please let George drive..... and I'm a Lewis fan."

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Hamilton to race in Abu Dhabi

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