Lewis Hamilton arrives at the Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi as Formula One star returns from coronavirus

Lewis Hamilton has made a dramatic return to action following his coronavirus ordeal by taking part in practice ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. 

The Mercedes driver was give the all clear amid much secrecy by local authorities following his lay-off having contracted coronavirus.   

Hamilton, who tested positive for coronavirus last Tuesday, is desperate to be back in the cockpit and will be straight back in the car on Friday after missing the Sakhir Grand Prix in Bahrain – the first race he has missed since his Formula One debut in 2007. 

Lewis Hamilton is back from his coronavirus lay-off and will practice in Abu Dhabi 

The Mercedes driver was dropped off at the Yas Marina circuit on Friday morning 

Hamilton strolled out and is preparing to get back in the cockpit having missed the last race

Mercedes, knowing the depth of his desire, promised to give him until the last moment to prove his fitness.

Hamilton has served his 10-day quarantine in Bahrain. The FIA have confirmed that he tested negative for Covid, a prerequisite for entering Abu Dhabi.

All the F1 community is stationed on Yas Island close to the track after being subjected to swabbing on arrival at the airport.

Although most of the 1,200-strong group arrived here in a sequence of charter flights on Monday, Hamilton has been allowed special dispensation to touch down on Thursday. He has already arrived.

Lewis Hamilton will return in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after testing negative for Covid

Hamilton is desperate to be back in the cockpit after missing the Sakhir Grand Prix in Bahrain 

George Russell, who stood in for Hamilton at the Sakhir Grand Prix, returns to Williams

That is bad news for George Russell, his fellow Englishman, who stepped into the breach a week ago and nearly won the race only to be hit by a pit-stop blunder and then a puncture. 

‘The Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team is pleased to confirm that Lewis Hamilton will drive for the team in this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix,’ the world champions said in a statement late on Thursday evening. 

‘Lewis tested negative for Covid-19 on Wednesday prior to completion of his self-isolation period in Bahrain. This enabled him to travel to Abu Dhabi on Thursday afternoon, and he tested negative on arrival. 

‘Lewis has therefore completed the protocols required by the FIA for his entry to the paddock tomorrow and will be able to take part in the race weekend. ‘George Russell will return to Williams Racing for the final event of the 2020 season.’ 

Russell was cruelly robbed of victory on his debut for the world champions last weekend