© Steve Etherington for Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd.
Today Mercedes announced one member of their team tested positive for COVID-19. Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas gave their comments on the news.
At the Eifel Grand Prix Thursday press conference, Lewis Hamilton was asked about Mercedes’ first confirmed case of COVID-19.
“Naturally it’s sad to hear, for the guys that work so hard,” the Briton said.
“We’ve obviously had this week in between [races], and the guys work so hard to stay safe and be here on the weekend, so it’s definitely a concern.
“It’s obviously important for everyone around the world to be continuously reminded that this thing has not disappeared, it’s still here.
“We still need to follow protocols, to wear a mask, to keep our hands clean, to keep our distances.”
Mercedes did not disclose who the infected person was, or what his or her responsibilities within the team are, but Hamilton concedes the situation will play a part in the team’s weekend.
“I can’t say what’s it’s going to do to the weekend. We have a lot of great people within our team, it’s not just about one person, so we’ll try and make him proud this weekend.
“It’s just going to take a different type of work, a lot of work to make sure we continue on without any disturbances,” concluded Hamilton.
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Although Valtteri Bottas admits the situation is “unfortunate”, he believes the team is well equipped to handle it.
“As a driver, the last thing you want is to get it,” said the Finn.
“It would definitely mean missing at least one race, maybe even more, and we’ve had one example of that already.
“Of course, it’s about being as cautious as you can, following the protocols, trying to be sensible, and staying in the bubble.
“Sometimes it can be a matter of luck because it’s pretty contagious. We’re all trying to do the best we can not to get it.
“Of course, it’s unfortunate that one team member got it, but I fully trust how the team is handling everything, following all the protocols and doing everything we can to make sure it stops there with that one case, so I have all the trust in them,” concluded Bottas.
