Mercedes don't immediately exclude Hulkenberg as a replacement for Hamilton
General
- GPblog.com
Mercedes haven't immediately ruled out the possibility of Nico Hulkenberg replacing Lewis Hamilton, who has tested positive for COVID-19. The German has already replaced a driver infected with the virus twice this season.
Hamilton woke up on Monday morning after the race with some mild symptoms of the virus. Soon after, he heard that someone from his circle of acquaintances, with whom he had recently had contact, had also been infected. Later that day the Brit underwent a test which came back positive fairly quickly. That was unusual because three tests earlier that week all came back negative.
Hamilton cannot participate this weekend
The seven-time world champion will therefore not be able to take part in the Sakhir Grand Prix this weekend. Now the question is who will replace him. Stoffel Vandoorne was mentioned, but also Nico Hulkenberg is on the list of Mercedes according to Auto, Motor und Sport. The German replaced Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll earlier this season after they were found to be infected with the virus.
The experienced driver scored ten points in those two races, a creditable result for a driver who hasn't driven in the sport for a while. Moreover, he knows the Mercedes engine, because Racing Point also use it. He will be less familiar with the other systems. But that doesn't seem to be a problem for Hulkenberg, as he showed earlier this season.