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By Adrian Mann
Lewis Hamilton has tested positive for COVID-19 and it is now certain that he will miss at least this weekend’s Sakhir Grand Prix.
The champ’s symptoms are said to be mild, so there is a possibility that he will return for the final round of the season. However, this leaves a question, who will replace Hamilton at the Sakhir Grand Prix?
Mercedes’ Reserve Drivers
Well, there are several possibilities. The most obvious ones are Mercedes’ two reserve drivers, Stoffel Vamdoorne and Esteban Gutierrez. Of the two drivers, Vandoorne seems a more likely option, since he last competed in Formula 1 in 2018 with McLaren and is currently competing for Mercedes’ Formula E Team. The Belgian driver is currently testing for Formula E in Valencia, but is scheduled to fly to Bahrain after the test is done. Gutierrez’s last F1 racing experience was with Haas in 2016.
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George Rusell
Another popular choice would be Williams’ George Russell. As a member of Mercedes’ Young Driver Programme, he seems to be at the top of the list as Lewis Hamilton or Valtteri Bottas’ replacement, once either of them leaves the team. This would be an excellent opportunity to test him out in race conditions at the top of the field. However, he is contracted to Williams and it doesn’t seem likely that they would allow him to miss a race for them. Then again, Williams doesn’t have a lot to lose and they might want to give their pay development driver Roy Nissany a shot.
Esteban Ocon
Esteban Ocon is another Mercedes junior driver, who has extensive Formula 1 experience. He has previously driven for Force India and Manor and now drives for Renault. However, he doesn’t appear to be a realistic choice, as it was said his ties with Mercedes have been definitely loosened after he signed a contract with Renault.
The Hulk
If we’re talking about who is the person with most Formula 1 experience that is currently available, it’s without a doubt Nico Hulkenberg. He has already filled in for Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll at Racing Point this season and would definitely be a good choice if Mercedes wants a dependable driver who will score points. Since he has no formal ties to Mercedes, he isn’t the most likely option, but there’s no doubt millions of Formula 1 fans would like to finally see Hulkenberg, who never managed to score a podium in his 10 full season in Formula 1, in a machine capable of winning.
Mercedes will soon announce a replacement. Who do you think it will be? Who would you like it to be? Let us know in the comments below!
You can also vote in our Twitter poll:
Due to a positive COVID-19 test Lewis Hamilton will miss the #SakhirGP. Who would you like to see as his replacement?#F1 #TeamLH #MercedesAMGF1
— Mercedes F1 News – SilverArrows.Net (@SilverArrowsNet) December 1, 2020
