Mercedes says Lewis Hamilton’s health is “improving” – but I still don’t know if he will be able to race in this year’s final Grand Prix this weekend.
Hamilton remains in isolation and must return a negative test result before he is allowed to travel to Abu Dhabi.
“His condition is improving but we will not know soon if he will lead,” said team leader Tutu Wolf.
“We will do everything we can to get him back in the car and know he’s determined to get back as soon as possible. But his health is our main priority, so we’ll see what the situation is and then make the call.”
George Russell is in the streak to replace Hamilton if he can’t race.
The 22-year-old Williams driver starred in his Mercedes debut in Bahrain and was banned from winning Just by mixing the stop pit and then the hole.
Russell was named as Mercedes representative alongside Valtteri Bottas at the official FIA press conference on Thursday.
The newest Mercedes can put Hamilton in the car and it’s still racing on Saturday to qualify.
The team said it was “likely” that they would make a decision on whether Hamilton would race late before Saturday’s final training session, which lasts for an hour and begins at 10:00 GMT, three hours before qualifying.
Hamilton A. Video message on social media The Tuesday he said he was “feeling great” and had just completed his first physical training session since his positive test.
“It was one of the toughest weeks I’ve been in for some time,” he said, adding, “I hope I can get back in the car soon.”
Tire mixing occurred in a traffic lane on Sunday, which affected both cars as they were stacked behind the other, due to a radio problem that caused some mechanics not to receive the message to take out the tires.
“We have uncovered a fundamental problem with our internal communication, and we have put in place measures, both technically and in the way we operate, to make sure that it doesn’t happen again,” Wolf said.
He also said that Mercedes will perform a “slightly different trim” on their cars in Abu Dhabi “showing everyone’s name on the car to honor the great commitment and determination of everyone at (UK team bases) Brixworth and Brackley.”
“Everyone has made a lot of effort this year, and have raised the bar during this hugely intense season, and we hope this gesture will go a long way in showing the appreciation we have for all those involved,” Wolf added.
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