Formula 1: Lewis Hamilton’s replacement confirmed for Sakhir

George Russell is set to replace seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes for Sunday’s Sakhir Grand Prix at Bahrain International Circuit.

After seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton tested positive for COVID-19, it was announced that for the first time since his career began in 2007, he will not be able to compete in a race weekend.

The 35-year-old Briton will not compete in Sunday’s Sakhir Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit outer layout, and his status for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit is also in question for the following Sunday.

As a result, Mercedes have negotiated with Williams to borrow George Russell, who has been backed by the Silver Arrows throughout his career, for this Sunday’s 87-lap race around the 11-turn, 2.202-mile (3.544-kilometer) road course in Sakhir, Bahrain.

The 22-year-old Briton is a Mercedes junior driver who is in his second season competing for the Grove-based outfit and has long been seen as the potential replacement for Hamilton or Valtteri Bottas, whomever departs from the factory Mercedes team first.

He does have some experience testing the championship-winning W11.

He is still under contract to compete for Williams through the 2021 season.

Here is what Russell had to say about the opportunity to drive for Mercedes alongside Bottas this weekend.

"“Firstly, I want to say a huge thank you to everybody at Williams for giving me this opportunity. I might be wearing a different race suit this weekend, but I’m a Williams driver and I’ll be cheering my team on every step of the way.“I see this as a great chance to learn from the best outfit on the grid right now and to come back as an improved driver, with even more energy and experience to help push Williams further up the grid. A big thank you also to Mercedes for putting their faith in me.“Obviously, nobody can replace Lewis, but I’ll give my all for the team in his absence from the moment I step in the car. Most importantly, I wish him a speedy recovery. I’m really looking forward to the opportunity and can’t wait to get out on track this week.”"

Here is what Williams acting team principal Simon Roberts had to say about the matter.

"“Our long-term partnership and George’s affiliation with Mercedes is no secret, and so I’m delighted George has this unique opportunity to join Mercedes, the current Constructors’ Champions.“We have been working hard to ensure that an agreement could be made with Mercedes to allow him this fantastic opportunity. George very much remains a Williams driver and we look forward to him returning to us fresh from this experience and wish him a successful race this weekend.”"

This move means that Russell will be replaced at Williams for this race weekend. Williams reserve driver Jack Aitken is set to take his place alongside rookie Nicholas Latifi, marking his Formula 1 debut.

Here is what Aitken had to say about the opportunity.

"“I’m absolutely over the moon to have the opportunity to make my debut with Williams this coming weekend and I am extremely happy for George to have his chance too. I really mean it when I say I’ve felt very much at home here since I joined Williams earlier this year, so to get my chance to help the team try to achieve that elusive points finish is an extremely satisfying occasion to say the least.“I’ll be doing all I can to prepare in the coming days, but truthfully, I feel like I have been ready since Melbourne. I also want to wish Lewis well in his recovery, and good luck to George getting the chance to drive the Mercedes this weekend.”"

Here is what Roberts had to add.

"“We are also thrilled this means we are able to give another British talent in Jack Aitken the opportunity to make his Formula One race debut. Jack joined Williams at the start of this season, and despite COVID-19 restrictions meaning we haven’t been able to interact with him as much as we would like, he has quickly become a much-liked member of the team.“We look forward to seeing him build on his previous experience driving the car in practice, to see what he can do in a qualifying and race situation.”"

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Russell is set to enter the race weekend having never failed to outqualify a teammate in 36 attempts, by far the longest streak of all-time to start a career.

In fact, only two drivers, legends Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna, have ever managed to outqualify their teammates for more than 36 consecutive races.

Will Russell, who has yet to score a point in his Formula 1 career, keep his streak intact with a 37th consecutive teammate qualifying victory and a first over nine-time race winner and current championship runner-up Bottas? Will he score his first points as well, perhaps with a podium finish or even a win?

ESPN2 is set to broadcast the Sakhir Grand Prix live from Bahrain International Circuit beginning at 12:10 p.m. ET this Sunday, December 6. Tune in to watch George Russell make his Mercedes debut.