Wolff admits Hamilton may not be jumping for joy following Russell’s good display

George Russell may have seen his only hope of a Grand Prix victory this season shattered last Sunday. Whether he gets a second attempt in Abu Dhabi will depend entirely on Lewis Hamilton's recovery.

He tested positive for Covid-19 last week. He is said to have contracted the virus after a short trip to Dubai. That was a week ago now, so Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff thinks there is a real possibility that Hamilton could be back in the car again next weekend.

Hamilton needs negative test

"I think he is on the right track," said Wolff in an interview with Sky Germany. "If the doctors' prognosis is correct, he could give a negative test on Thursday or Friday." The latter is crucial, because if Hamilton doesn't test negative before Saturday, he won't be allowed to enter the paddock of the Yas Marina circuit.

Apart from the fact that it is of course never a pleasure to be sick and forced to sit at home, according to Wolff there is also another reason that Hamilton is struggling with the situation. "If an up-and-coming young driver is in your car and you have won the World Championship with it, these are of course all factors that don't help you jump through your hotel room with huge cheers," Wolff said.