Who will get Hamilton's plum Mercedes drive at Sakhir?

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Lewis Hamilton's unexpected positive COVID-19 test has thrown a spanner in Mercedes' works, but it is also set to deliver a potentially career-defining opportunity to one lucky driver.

Stoffel Vandoorne and Esteban Gutierrez are the Brackley squad's official reserve drivers.

The Belgian races for the German manufacturer in Formula E, but the former McLaren charger - as an active driver who is also virtually acquainted with Mercedes W11 thanks to his simulator work with the team - is also race-ready for a call up.

Vandoorne, who scored his first FE win last summer in Berlin, is currently testing with Mercedes' electric outfit in Valencia but is already due to travel to Bahrain once the test is completed.

Gutierrez's lack of recent running in F1, or in any other qualifying category, has deprived the Mexican of an F1 superlicence which effectively rules him out a substitute role.

British fans would lave to see George Russell get his hands on a Mercedes and so would many others in the paddock. However, there's no doubt that Williams would drive a hard bargain to release its young star, although in doing so it could reap a big marketing benefit if Russell later returns to Grove... a Grand Prix winner!

However, Williams needs Russell next weekend - and in Abu Dhabi - to try and improve its fortunes in the Constructors' championship and leapfrog Haas in the standings, a feat worth a few million dollars in prize money.

Hamilton tests positive for COVID-19, will miss Sakhir GP!

There also the question of who, should Williams release Russell to Mercedes, would replace the Briton? Reserve driver Jack Aitken could theoretically do the job.

Finally, Mercedes could rely on the trusty talent of F1 super-sub Nico Hulkenberg. The experienced German who replaced COVID-infected Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll at Racing Point earlier this season, fits the bill in all respects, and would enjoy the chance to finally add that elusive podium finish to his massive track record in F1.

But the fact that the Hulk is not acquainted with the mighty Mercedes team, contrary to Vandoorne and Russell, is an obvious disadvantage for Nico.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.