George Russell to replace Lewis Hamilton after COVID positive in Sakhir Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton’s positive COVID-19 test left the F1 world stunned but the man expected to be the future of Mercedes is getting his shot.

Lewis Hamilton is out of this week’s race after testing positive for COVID-19.

Lewis Hamilton’s replacement for the weekend’s Sakhir Grand Prix has been revealed with Williams driver George Russell getting a shot in the most coveted seat in Formula One.

Believed to be the future of the team, 22-year-old Briton Russell has driven for Williams over the past two seasons but has failed to pick up a point as yet.

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It appeared to be a three-way race for the seat with Russell, Mercedes reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne and Nico Hulkenberg all speculated.

But Russell won the golden opportunity in the world championship winning car when he jumps into Hamilton’s seat.

The 2018 Formula 2 champion, Russell has long been tagged as a future world champion but has been forced to bide his time in a Williams, as the team has scored just one point in the past two years through Robert Kubica in 2019.

Russell was clearly excited by his opportunity.

“Firstly, I want to say a huge thank you to everybody at Williams for giving me this opportunity. I might be wearing a different race suit this weekend, but I’m a Williams driver and I’ll be cheering my team on every step of the way,” Russell said.

“I see this as a great chance to learn from the best outfit on the grid right now and to come back as an improved driver, with even more energy and experience to help push Williams further up the grid. A big thank you also to Mercedes for putting their faith in me.

“Obviously, nobody can replace Lewis, but I’ll give my all for the team in his absence from the moment I step in the car. Most importantly, I wish him a speedy recovery. I’m really looking forward to the opportunity and can’t wait to get out on track this week.”

Very few people are lucky enough to drive for an @F1 team each year. I'm about to get the chance to drive for two.

Unbelievably grateful to @WilliamsRacing and @MercedesAMGF1 for this opportunity.

Thank you all 🙏 pic.twitter.com/x2ZGMWOX8A

— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) December 2, 2020

Nobody can replace this guy, but I'll give my all for the team in his absence from the moment I step in the car.

Get well soon Lewis 🙏 pic.twitter.com/2fKTmbmaU0

— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) December 2, 2020

The move will also see Jack Aitken getting his F1 debut in Russell’s car over the weekend.

It’s been a tumultuous time for Williams, with the team sold to US investment firm Dorilton Capital, ending Frank Williams’ 43 year ownership of the sport.

Having won nine constructors titles and seven drivers championships, Williams has been a shadow of itself in recent years.

But the team is excited for its main man to get a run with the constructors champions.

“Our long-term partnership and George’s affiliation with Mercedes is no secret, and so I’m delighted George has this unique opportunity to join Mercedes, the current constructors champions,” Williams’ Acting Team Principal Simon Roberts said.

“We have been working hard to ensure that an agreement could be made with Mercedes to allow him this fantastic opportunity. George very much remains a Williams driver and we look forward to him returning to us fresh from this experience and wish him a successful race this weekend.”

George Russell is in the hot seat.

While he has yet to earn a point, Russell has been impressive in qualifying this season and has finished 11th once and 12th twice in his F1 career.

Very happy that George Russell is getting a chance in the Mercedes!

— Mike Jennings (@mikejjennings) December 2, 2020

GET IN!!!!!! Literally can’t wait for weekend now! 😛😛😛🤙🏽

BREAKING: Russell replaces Hamilton, Aitken in at Williams https://t.co/WCvgZSUcMF

— Matt Neal (@MattNealRacing) December 2, 2020

So it’s Jack Aitken in at Williams and George Russell off to Mercedes for this weekend. Hard on Stoffel but if George is the future for Mercedes it makes sense for the team to take a look as they have a seat available. And stand by for more Haas driver news in half an hour

— David Croft (@CroftyF1) December 2, 2020

Hamilton is the third driver to miss a race after contracting COVID-19 after Racing Point’s Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll.

On Tuesday, Hamilton released a statement on his Instagram, saying he was “gutted” to be missing out on the Sakhir Grand Prix.

“I’m devastated that I won’t be racing this weekend. Since we started this 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,” Hamilton posted.

“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 10 days.

“I’m gutted not to be able to race this weekend, but my priority is to follow the protocols 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.”