Masi outlines some of the rules regarding Hamilton's return

After George Russell's sensational race in the Mercedes, the question remains whether the young Brit will get a second chance to fight for victory next weekend in Abu Dhabi. It has now become clear that this will depend not only on Hamilton's health but also on the strict covid rules enforced in both Bahrain and Abu Dhabi.

Michael Masi, race director of the FIA, explained to Motorsport.com that Hamilton's fate will be determined by both the Bahraini and Abu Dhabi Governments: “It's very much a decision for the Bahraini health authorities to determine if Lewis is fit and complies with their regulations, and then further for the Abu Dhabi authorities to determine their criteria.”

“So it's effectively two government entities that need to determine entry criteria. If he meets the entry criteria of the respective governments and then further complies with the testing protocol from an FIA perspective, in being tested negative prior to entering the paddock, then there's no problems from our perspective."

Just for Sunday?

Masi also made it clear that, according to FIA rules, Hamilton cannot race only on Sunday, a fact that increases the time pressure on Hamilton's recovery and quarantine time even further.

“As long as the driver participates in a practice session, or qualifying, they're permitted to race. They couldn't just turn up and race, as their only thing, they would have to do one of the practice sessions, be it free practice or qualifying practice beforehand.”