Lewis Hamilton’s positive coronavirus test has blown the penultimate race of the 2020 season wide open.
The 7 time World Champion has been replaced by Williams driver George Russell. Roman Grojsean will also miss this week’s Grand Prix, whilst he recovers from his horrific crash.
Changes have been made to the barriers ahead of this weekend’s race, two layers of tyres along with a conveyor belt binding have been installed.
There are also some more driver changes, with two rookies set to make their F1 debuts. Pietro Fittipaldi, grandson of two-time Formula One world champion Emerson Fiitipaldi, replaces Grojsean. Whilst F2 driver Jack Aitken will replace Rusell at Williams.
Hamilton’s fellow Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas could well see this as his chance to come out on top due to the Brits absence. RedBull could also see this as their chance to out drive Mercedes.
RedBull’s Max Verstappen has proved several times this season that he can come out on top of Bottas. This could well be just as much of an opening for Verstappen as it is for Bottas.
Verstappen’s teammate Alex Albon has had a disappointing season, and will look to prove himself to Christian Horner this week to try and hold onto his seat at RedBull for the 2021 season.
Russell will fancy his chances this weekend to prove to Mercedes that he can step up, but the Brit is yet to score any points in 36 starts. Russell will also hope to maintain his winning record of qualifying against his teammate.
Practice will start at 13:30 GMT on Friday, while qualifying will begin at 17:00 on Saturday.
Lights out will be at 17:10 GMT on Sunday, in what will be an exciting race.
