Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton said he has suffered "one of the hardest weeks for some time" after testing positive for coronavirus but is hopeful of driving in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The 35-year-old Briton missed last Sunday's penultimate round in Bahrain after contracting coronavirus.
Speaking in an Instagram video from his quarantine period spent in Bahrain, he said: "I know I've not been in touch this past week but it's definitely been one of the hardest weeks that I've had for some time.
"I've just been focusing on recovering and trying to get back in shape so I can get back in the car and race in Abu Dhabi.
"I woke up today feeling great and got my first workout in so I just wanted to send you guys a message of positivity, let you know I'm OK.
"I hope that I can get back in the car soon."
To be allowed into Abu Dhabi, Hamilton must return a negative Covid-19 swab but there could still be other quarantine hindrances in the UAE.
The F1 world flew to Bahrain from Abu Dhabi on Monday on 10 charter planes ahead of Yas Island being put into lockdown. Hamilton must serve 10 days of quarantine in Bahrain, meaning the earliest he could possibly travel is Thursday. Practice for the concluding round starts on Friday.
FIA race director Michael Masi said: "It is very much a decision for the Bahraini health authorities to determine if Lewis is fit and complies with their regulations, and further for the Abu Dhabi authorities to determine their criteria.
"If Lewis meets the entry requirements of the respective governments, and complies with the testing protocol by returning a negative test prior to entering the paddock, then there is no problem from our perspective. As long as the driver participates in practice or qualifying he is permitted to race."
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Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton reacts after winning the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix and equalling Michael Schumacher's record of seven world titles. AP -
Lewis Hamilton gets emotional after winning the Turkish GP for Mercedes. AFP -
An emotional Lewis Hamilton after winning the Turkish GP for Mercedes, and with it the world title. Reuters -
Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton after winning the Turkish GP. Reuters -
Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton joined Michael Schumacher as the sports' only seven times champions. Reuters -
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates after winning the Turkish GP at the Istanbul Park circuit racetrack on Sunday. AP -
Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton is the most successful F1 driver of all time. Reuters -
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton won the Turkish GP on Sunday to clinch the world title. Getty -
Lewis Hamilton of Mercedes during a wet Turkish GP in Istanbul on Sunday. EPA -
Racing Point team work in the pitlane in Istanbul. Getty -
Mercedes Valtteri Bottas was the only other driver who could challenge Lewis Hamitlon for the world title. Getty -
The Turkish GP was impacted by weather over the weekend. Reuters -
Conditions were challenging for drivers at the Turkish GP. Getty -
Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari at Istanbul track on Sunday. Getty
