Hamilton came into contact with Idris Elba and Sophie Trudeau, who have both tested positive for virus, but says he is "feeling healthy"
Sunday 22 March 2020 08:00, UK
Lewis Hamilton has revealed that he has been isolating since the cancelled Australian GP but has "zero symptoms" of coronavirus despite coming into contact with two celebrities who later tested positive for the virus.
Before heading to Melbourne for what should have been the 2020 season-opener, the six-time F1 world champion was at a charity event in London along with actor Idris Elba and Sophie Trudeau (the wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau) - who have both since confirmed they had contracted coronavirus.
But Hamilton says he is "feeling healthy" and is symptom-free, although hasn't tested for the virus since the March 4 meet as "people need it more than I do".
"There's been some speculation about my health, after I was at an event where two people later tested positive for coronavirus," Hamilton posted on social media.
"I wanted to let you know that I'm doing well, feeling healthy and working out twice a day. I have zero symptoms, and it's now been 17 days since I saw Sophie and Idris. I have been in touch with Idris and happy to hear he is ok.
"I did speak to my doctor and double checked if I needed to take a test but the truth is, there is a limited amount of tests available and there are people who need it more than I do, especially when I wasn't showing any symptoms at all."
Hamilton added that he had been self-isolating as a precaution.
"So what I've done is keep myself isolated this past week, actually since practice was cancelled last Friday and kept my distance from people.
"The most important thing everyone can do is stay positive, social distance yourself as best you can, self isolate if you need to, and regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
"Thank you for all the messages. I'm sending positivity and love from afar."
The Australian GP was cancelled after a McLaren team member tested positive for coronavirus. Events in Bahrain and Vietnam, Zandvoort and Barcelona have since been postponed, while the world-famous Monaco GP has been scrapped.
F1 has launched an Esports Virtual Grand Prix series to replace the F1 races called off due to the coronavirus crisis.
