The Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team regrets to announce that Lewis Hamilton has tested positive for COVID-19 and will be unable to take part in this weekend's Sakhir GP," said the team in a brief statement this morning.

"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.

"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.

"Lewis is now isolating in accordance with COVID-19 protocols and public health authority guidelines in Bahrain. Apart from mild symptoms, he is otherwise fit and well, and the entire team sends him its very best wishes for a swift recovery.

"We will announce our replacement driver plans for this weekend in due course."

The German team's official test and reserve driver is Stoffel Vandoorne, who is currently involved in pre-season testing for Formula E in Spain. Though the Belgian is the most likely choice to stand-in for Hamilton, this would be the perfect opportunity for Mercedes to try something more adventurous.

The team also has Esteban Gutierrez who spends much of his time carrying out development work in the simulator, though it is unlikely the Mexican would be given the call.