F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton contracts coronavirus

World Champion, Lewis Hamilton has contracted the novel coronavirus after he tested positive.

This diagnosis means he will miss this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix, Formula One’s governing body FIA announced Tuesday.

Sky Sports reported that the Mercedes driver returned three negative tests last week but began displaying mild symptoms on Monday and was informed at the same time that a contact prior to his arrival in Bahrain had subsequently tested positive for Covid-19.

“In accordance with COVID-19 protocols and public health authority guidelines in Bahrain he (Hamilton) is now isolating,” said an FIA statement.

“The procedures set out by the FIA and Formula 1 will ensure no wider impact on this weekend’s event.”

Mercedes say they will announce Hamilton's temporary replacement "in due course". Stoffel Vandoorne and Esteban Gutierrez are the team's reserve drivers, Sky Sports reports.