Lewis Hamilton self-isolating after meeting Idris Elba, but has 'no symptoms'

Lewis Hamilton has revealed he is self-isolating after he attended an event where two people later tested positive for coronavirus – but says so far he has "zero symptoms".

The Mercedes driver was pictured at an event earlier this month in London with actor Idris Elba, who was subsequently diagnosed with the virus, but in a statement released on Saturday Hamilton confirmed he is still "feeling healthy".

"I want to let you know that I'm doing well, feeling healthy and working out twice a day," he said. "I have zero symptoms, and it’s now been 17 days since I saw Sophie and Idris. I have been in touch with Idris and happy to hear he is ok."

The six-time world champion also said he had checked to see whether he should get tested but said: "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."

Instead, Hamilton says he has self-isolated since last Friday, and made sure he has kept his distance from others.

"The most important thing everyone can do is stay positive, social distance yourself if you need to, and regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds," he said. "Thank you for all the messages. I’m sending you positivity and love from afar. Keep safe."

Hamilton was due to begin his title defence at the Australian Grand Prix last week, but after a McLaren team member tested positive for coronavirus the race was cancelled. The six subsequent Grands Prix of the season have now also been postponed or cancelled as the outbreak continues to spread.

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