Stoffel Vandoorne was at Valencia, testing Formula E yesterday. Meanwhile, in Bahrain, Lewis Hamilton tested positive for Coronavirus. Hamilton was immediately isolated as FIA and Formula 1 followed the protocols.
Mercedes needed a replacement driver for the next weekend. Vandoorne, Mercedes’ replacement driver, was immediately asked to travel to Bahrain after finishing his Formula E duties.
Russell steps in for Hamilton at Mercedes
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Unfortunately, Vandoorne did not get his opportunity to race in Formula 1. Mercedes announced yesterday that George Russell will replace Hamilton next weekend. Meanwhile, Jack Aitken was looking to fill in for Russell at Williams.
Vandoorne took the news fairly well and took to Instagram, joking about how the situation turned out for him this week. According to his Instagram, he will spend the weekend playing video games.
ALSO READ- Why Mercedes F1 Chose George Russell as Lewis Hamilton’s Replacement
Stoffel Vandoorne in Formula E Championship
Mercedes figured out a deal with Williams and loaned Russell out for this weekend. There was a lot of significant news announced yesterday; however, for Vandoorne, unfortunately, things did not turn out well.
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Vandoorne will go back to focusing on Formula E. He drives for the Mercedes-Benz EQ Formula E team. He finished the championship at P2 last season. However, he seems to be enjoying much more success this time around as he leads the championship.
Jack Aitken will step in for George Russell at Williams this weekend, making his debut in the big leagues. He is having an impressive Formula 2 season and is also Williams’ reserve driver.
Pietro Fittipaldi is going to be Romain Grosjean’s replacement. He has been a part of the Haas setup since 2018. He is one of the two replacement drivers along with Louis Deletraz.
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Meanwhile, George Russell will have the biggest opportunity of his racing career this weekend. He has shown impressive race craft this season. He will finally have the best chance to score his first Formula 1 points, maybe even get himself a podium.