Hamilton addresses health speculation amid COVID-19 concerns

Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton says he has “zero symptoms” of coronavirus amid recent speculation surrounding his health.

Ahead of the cancelled Australian Grand Prix, Hamilton attended WE Day UK on March 4 along with an array of celebrity guest-speakers, including Idris Elba, who recently revealed he had tested positive for coronavirus.

There had been suggestions Hamilton could have been exposed to the flu-like virus as a result of his close contact with Elba at the event, but on Saturday, the Briton took to Instagram to dispel any rumours, insisting he is “feeling healthy and working out twice a day”.

Hamilton revealed he double-checked with his doctor whether to be tested but said he did not take a test due to showing no symptoms and there being “other people who need it more than I do”.

The six-time world champion has been self-isolating as a precaution since March 13, the day the Australian Grand Prix was called off.

“There’s been some speculation about my health, after I was at an event where two people later tested positive for coronavirus,” Hamilton said on Instagram.

“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 [Gregoire Trudeau] 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.

“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 you positivity and love from afar. Keep safe.”