IN THE wake of a positive coronavirus test, Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton might be replaced by a star of the future.

Following the news that Lewis Hamilton has Covid-19 and will miss Formula One’s Sakhir Grand Prix in Bahrain after his positive Covid-19 test, current Formula E driver Stoffel Vandoorne may find himself stepping into the Mercedes driver’s rather successful seat.

The Belgian racer has spent the past few days in pre-season testing for the electric series in Valencia as the World Champion teams test driver, and is the man expected to replace Hamilton this weekend alongside Valtteri Bottas.

Having spent three years in motorsport’s top competition, Vandoorne is familiar with Bahrain with his previous best finish there eighth place when he was behind the wheel for McLaren.

Situation

During a press conference at the Ricardo Tormo track on December 1 he explained that he was made aware of Hamilton situation an hour before it was made public.

The 28-year-old said: “I’m going to Bahrain anyway and I’m catching a flight tomorrow. At the moment I don’t know what is going to happen, I know there is a chance for me to driver but let’s wait and see. I’m travelling there tomorrow, and I’ll find out then.”

He added: “I’ve not been able to think about it that much because I’ve been focusing on my Formula E test here.”

Recovering from Covid-19

Despite now recovering from Covid-19, Hamilton has already secured his record-equalling seventh title but after experiencing mild symptoms on Monday he received a positive test for the illness that has caused a global pandemic.

The Briton is said to be “devastated” at missing the penultimate race of the season and although his quarantine will end next Thursday it remains to be seen if he will make the last race of the season in

It will be the first race that the champion has missed since his debut in the sport 13 years ago. Williams driver George Russell is also a contender to replace the 35-year-old but that would depend on the British team allowing him to line up on the track for his parent team.