Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton’s chance of competing in the final championship race is in doubt, after being admitted to Burjeel Hospital following complaints of illness and later collapsing in his hotel room. Hamilton complained of extreme fatigue and dizziness and required assistance in the early hours of the morning the day after qualifying second for what is expected to be one of the most dramatic races in recent history.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confirmed Hamilton had been sent to the team doctor at the end of qualifying as a precaution, after he seemed overwhelmed after the session.
‘I think you can just relate to it with the heat out there and the year like he had with tons of close races,’ Wolff said. ‘That is exhausting. I think he should be alright, but it is better to be safe than sorry.’
Although, with Hamilton’s condition worsening overnight, there are now fears that Hamilton may not have an opportunity to compete in the championship race decider. Mercedes has swiftly approached Williams to release Driver George Russell to race in Hamilton’s possible absence. Mercedes has previously approached Williams which is an engine customer of Mercedes to replace Hamilton in December 2020.
Hamilton stated that he may be suffering the debilitating long-term effects of coronavirus, having contracted the disease last December where he was replaced by Williams’ driver George Russell.
Hamilton said: ‘I haven’t spoken to anyone about long Covid but I think it is lingering there. I remember the effects of when I had it and training has been different since then. The level of fatigue that you get is different and it’s a real challenge.
After a win for Hamilton and Mercedes in Saudi Arabia in the penultimate round, Hamilton weaved his way through the field to achieve a first place finish, and go into final round at Abu Dhabi on equal points with his rival Max Verstappen in the drivers’ championship.
Max Verstappen has chosen not to be concerned with Hamilton’s possible omission from todays upcoming racing stating “I hope he is OK. I do though expect him to be racing. Maybe he is playing tricks on us but we will see.”
When quizzed about how he would fair against a Hamilton replacement in George Russell, Verstappen said “I am sure George will do very well in Lewis’ car if he races. If I had been in his car, the season would have been decided long ago.”