Mercedes' British driver Lewis Hamilton gestures after winning the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit in the city of Sakhir on Nov 29, 2020. (TOLGA BOZOGLU / POOL / AFP)

MANAMA - Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss the upcoming Sakhir Grand Prix, the sport’s governing FIA said on Tuesday.

Lewis Hamilton was isolating according to local health guidelines, the team said, with a replacement driver to be announced in due course

Hamilton, who has already secured a record-equalling seventh world title and won Sunday's Bahrain Grand Prix, was experiencing mild symptoms but was otherwise fit and well, his Mercedes team said.

“Lewis was tested three times last week and returned a negative result each time, the last of which was on Sunday afternoon at the Bahrain International Circuit as part of the standard race weekend testing programme,” the Formula One champions said in a statement.

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“However he woke up on Monday morning with mild symptoms and was informed at the same time that a contact prior to arrival in Bahrain had subsequently tested positive.

“Lewis therefore took a further test and returned a positive result. This has since been confirmed by a retest.”

The 35-year-old Briton was isolating according to local health guidelines, the team said, with a replacement driver to be announced in due course.

The Sakhir Grand Prix takes place on Dec 6.