Lewis Hamilton reveals he is suffering from long Covid symptoms

1 August 2021, 22:20 | Updated: 1 August 2021, 22:25

Lewis Hamilton revealed her was suffering from long Covid symptoms
Lewis Hamilton revealed her was suffering from long Covid symptoms. Picture: PA

By Patrick Grafton-Green

Lewis Hamilton has revealed he is suffering from long Covid symptoms after he required medical attention following Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix.

The seven-time world champion drove from last to third - later upgraded to second following Sebastian Vettel's disqualification - to take the lead of the Formula One world championship.

But he was visibly struggling after the 70-lap race. He was assisted on to the podium, and then appeared unable to summon the strength to hold his celebratory champagne bottle.

READ MORE: Over 2 million adults in England may have had long Covid, study suggests

READ MORE: What is long Covid and what are the symptoms?

Hamilton, who contracted coronavirus in Dubai last December and was ruled out of the subsequent Sakhir Grand Prix in Bahrain, was taken to see the Mercedes team doctor.

A spokesperson for the Silver Arrows said the British driver was suffering with dizziness and fatigue.

Hamilton missed his post-race television interviews, before arriving late to the FIA's official press conference for the top three finishers.

Hamilton on the podium after Sunday's Grand Prix
Hamilton on the podium after Sunday's Grand Prix. Picture: PA

He said: "I haven't spoken to anyone particularly about long Covid, but I think it is lingering there.

"I was having real dizziness and everything got a bit blurry on the podium. I have been fighting with staying healthy following what happened at the end of last year, but still it's a battle.

"I remember the effects of when I had Covid, and training has been different ever since then. The level of fatigue that you get is different and it's a real challenge.

"I'm trying to keep training and preparing as best I can. Who knows what it was today? Maybe it was hydration, I don't know, but it was definitely different."

Hamilton said he also felt unwell during the British Grand Prix a fortnight ago.

The seven time world champion said he suffering with dizziness and fatigue
The seven time world champion said he suffering with dizziness and fatigue. Picture: PA

He added: "I suffered with something similar (last month) at Silverstone, but today was way worse."

After the press conference finished, Hamilton sat in his seat alongside the surprise winner of Sunday's race, Esteban Ocon. Hamilton was then helped to his feet by the Frenchman and a member of Mercedes' staff.

The 36-year-old will now have the best part of four weeks away from competition before the next round at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium on August 29.

He heads into the summer break holding an eight-point advantage over Max Verstappen in his quest for a record-breaking eighth title.

Last year Hamilton said he felt happy to be alive after battling with Covid-19.

He lost four kilograms fighting the virus, but rushed back to take part in last season's concluding round in Abu Dhabi.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

FILE - This combo of file photos shows, actors Ncuti Gatwa, left in New York, May 5, 2025, in New York; and Billie Piper in London, March 27, 2024. (AP Photos Evan Agostini, left, and Vianney Le Caer, File)

Billie Piper announced as new Doctor Who following departure of Ncuti Gatwa

PALESTINIAN-ISRAEL-CONFLICT-GAZA-US-AID

26 people killed and more than 150 injured after Israeli tanks open fire outside Gaza aid centre

Fruit flavoured disposable vapes for sale in a West End store in London.

Disposable vape ban comes into force - but will it be enough to cut 'avalanche' of litter?

A detailed closeup shows a hand holding a cigarette with smoke rising, reflecting todays smoking culture

Where can I smoke and vape in the UK?

Car ploughs into crowd celebrating PSG Champions League win in France injuring four members of same family

Car ploughs into crowd celebrating PSG Champions League win in France injuring four members of same family

People thought to be migrants board a small boat leaving the beach at Gravelines, France, in an attempt to reach the UK by crossing the English Channel. Picture date: Saturday May 31, 2025.

Starmer 'loses control' on immigration as 1,200 migrants cross Channel in a day

US prosecutors allege Miller was working with a Chinese national to illegally acquire weapons systems and other classified equipment for the Chinese government.

British businessman 'caught spying for China' faces 40 years in US prison after FBI sting

Dani captioned the post of the newly weds 'The Bowens'

Love Island's Dani Dyer and West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen tie knot in 'Bridgerton-inspired' ceremony

Paris St Germain sweep aside Inter Milan to win Champions League

Paris St-Germain thrash Inter Milan with record 5-0 win - becoming Champions of Europe for the first time

A group of people thought to be migrants onboard a small boat leaving the beach at Gravelines, France, in an attempt to reach the UK by crossing the English Channel. Picture date: Saturday May 31, 2025.

Coastguard resources 'stretched thin' by migrant rescues as fishing boats urged to help yacht in trouble

Hamas leader Muhammad Sinwar was killed in an Israeli airstrike

Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar 'eliminated' in airstrike on tunnel under south Gaza hospital, IDF confirms

Brandon Moore is a rugby league player.

Rugby league star missing as wife issues desperate plea to find father of three

Thicke and his long-term partner tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

'Through Thicke and thin': Robin Thicke gets hitched to model April Love Geary in Mexico after seven-year engagement

Police officers look at the remains of a crashed plane on the terrace of a residential building in Korschenbroich, Germany, Saturday, May 31, 2025. (David Young/dpa via AP)

Two people die after small plane crashes into house in Germany

Aziz Ziriat had been hiking in the Dolomites with his friend.

Body of British hiker missing in Italy since January found at foot of mountain as family praise rescuers' 'commitment'

Emergency services were called to Frith Road, Croydon, just after 9am on Saturday and treated two injured people at the scene.

Woman in her 20s stabbed to death in 'tragic' incident in Croydon as man arrested on suspicion of murder