Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton has recovered from the coronavirus and will race at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend.
Hamilton's presence at the Yas Marina circuit means that George Russell returns to drive for Williams in Sunday's race.
The seven-time world champion tested positive for Covid-19 the day after winning the Bahrain GP on Nov. 29 and missed last weekend's Sakhir GP in Bahrain as he self-isolated for 10 days.
“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,” Mercedes said in a statement.
“Lewis has therefore completed the protocols required by the FIA for his entry to the paddock and will be able to take part in the race weekend.”
Governing body FIA confirmed that Hamilton was free to leave Bahrain according to the health authority regulations in place.
There are two practice sessions in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
Russell was released by Williams to drive for Mercedes as an emergency replacement for Hamilton, and he impressed with his assured driving at the Sakhir GP.
He even looked on course to win the race before a botched tire stop by the team and a late puncture when he was in second place combined to push him down to ninth place. But the 22-year-old British driver's speed saw him earn a bonus point for the fastest lap and earn widespread praise.
Hamilton has won the Abu Dhabi GP a record five times, including the past two years.
He has an insurmountable lead over Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas, who can still be overtaken for second place by Red Bull's Max Verstappen.
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Gallery: Hamilton wins 2019 Abu Dhabi GP
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The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix awards ceremony 2019: (L-R) Max Verstappen, (Red Bull), winner Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) and third-placed Charles Leclerc of Ferrari. Victor Besa / The National -
Daniil Kvyat driving the Scuderia Toro Rosso during the big race. Getty -
Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner talks with Bernie Ecclestone, Chairman Emeritus of the Formula One Group, on the grid before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Getty -
Sebastian Vettel of Germany driving his Ferrari. Getty -
Lance Stroll of Racing Point and Daniel Ricciardo of Renault walk to the drivers' parade before the Abu Dhabi race at Yas Marina Circuit. Getty -
The amazing fly by over the grid before the Grand Prix started. Getty -
They're off! Lewis Hamilton takes the lead at the start of the big race. Victor Besa / The National -
Turn two at the start of the final race of the season. Victor Besa / The National -
Race fans in the Main Grandstand. Victor Besa / The National -
Awards Ceremony. Fireworks after the race. Victor Besa / The National -
Fans at the awards ceremony. Victor Besa / The National -
F1 fans at the awards ceremony. Victor Besa / The National -
Lewis Hamilton performs a burnout victory spin after the Grand Prix at Yas. Victor Besa / The National -
Pierre Gasly of Scuderia Toro Rosso at Yas Marina Circuit. Getty -
Charles Leclerc of Monaco and Ferrari talks with Princess Charlene of Monaco on the grid before the F1 Grand Prix. Getty -
Race winner Lewis Hamilton celebrates in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit. Getty -
Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing prepares for the big race. Getty -
Alexander Albon of Thailand and Red Bull Racing signs autographs for fans before the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit. Gett -
Pierre Gasly of France and Scuderia Toro Rosso greets fans before final practice for the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit. Getty -
Fans take a selfie with the cars ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Reuters -
The final race of the Formula 1 season goes off with a bang. Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces (2nd L) and HE Mohammed Mahfoodh Al Ardhi, Executive Chairman of INVESTCORP and Chairman of National Bank of Oman (3rd L), at vrace day. Ministry of Presidential Affairs -
Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing prepares for the race. Getty -
Daniel Ricciardo of Renault leads Kevin Magnussen of Haas at Yas Marina Circuit. Getty -
Lewis Hamilton gets ready for the off at Yas. Getty -
The sun sets on the 11th Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit. Getty
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The news gives Hamilton a shot at winning for the 12th time in 17 races, a result that would cement the pandemic-hit 2020 season as his most successful yet.
The Briton is already the sport's most successful driver of all time, surpassing Ferrari great Michael Schumacher's record 91 wins and equalling the German's seven titles.
Nothing is at stake for Mercedes in Sunday's race, with both titles won for the seventh year in a row.
Mercedes have won the last six races at the Yas Marina circuit, Hamilton four of them including the most recent two. The Briton has also been on pole five times.
While his return will be welcomed by fans, there will still be some disappointment for those who had hoped to see Russell get a second chance at victory after his impressive debut for the team a week ago.
Sunday will also feature Sebastian Vettel's last race with Ferrari after joining the Italian team in 2015. The four-time F1 champion, who has struggled most of the season, is racing for Aston Martin next year.
