Lewis Hamilton, infected with the corona virus, will be replaced in Bahrain this weekend by Williams driver George Russell. Formula 2 driver Jack Aitken takes the place of Russell at Williams.
Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton cannot participate in the Sakhir Grand Prix in Bahrain this weekend because he is infected with the corona virus. It has now been announced that Williams driver George Russell will drive the Mercedes F1 car in his place. Russell normally drives at the rear for Williams’ F1 team, but now suddenly gets the best car on the field. Jack Aitken, who is the reserve driver for Williams, will fill the empty space left by Russell on his own team. The Formula 2 driver has never driven a Grand Prix before, but already came into action in Russell’s car in free practice earlier this season.
Russell, who was champion in Formula 2 two years ago, suddenly has a podium worthy F1 car at his disposal this weekend. The Mercedes ranks as the most dominant F1 car on the field, while Russell normally drives one of the fewest cars. The Brit is not completely unknown with the Mercedes; he has previously completed training sessions and a tire test for the team. He is also considered a Mercedes junior. Because of his experience and connection with the team, he is a logical replacement for Hamilton. Mercedes’ reserve drivers Stoffel Vandoorne and Esteban Gutiérrez are therefore behind the net, but for them participating in a Grand Prix is ​​also a long time ago.