Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton said he is “devastated” that he will miss the Sakhir Grand Prix this weekend after testing positive for COVID-19.
The seven-time world champion will not start a Grand Prix for the first time since his debut in Melbourne at the start of the 2007 season.
Hamilton has already wrapped up the 2020 title, but will no longer be able to reach the milestone of 100 pole positions before the end of the season.
Mercedes are yet to confirm who will race in his place, but reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne is set to be present at the track.
Williams driver George Russell is another option as part of the Mercedes academy, while Nico Hulkenberg has filled in on three occasions already this season after Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll tested positive.
“I’m devastated that I won’t be racing this weekend,” Hamilton wrote on Twitter.
“Since we started the season in June, my team and I have been taking all the precautions we possibly can and following the regulations everywhere in order to stay safe.
“Unfortunately, even though I returned three negative results this past week, I woke up yesterday morning with mild symptoms and requested another test which came back positive.
“I’ve immediately gone into self-isolation for 10 days.
“I’m gutted not to be able to race this weekend but my priority is to follow the protocols and advice to protect others.
“I’m really lucky that I feel OK with only mild symptoms and will do my best to stay fit and healthy.
“Please look after yourselves out there. You can never be too careful. These are worrying times for everyone and we need to make sure we are looking after ourselves and each other. Stay positive.”