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Hamilton justifies Covid mask 'personal choice'

Lewis Hamilton has explained why he is still overprotective of his health and continues to wear a mask in the F1 paddock despite a relaxation of Covid rules.

The global Covid pandemic has simmered down since the end of last year which has led to a return to relative normalcy in the paddock, where mask-wearing is no longer mandatory.

Hamilton was among several F1 drivers who have tested positive for Covid in the past two years, the Briton contracting the virus and being forced to miss the Sakhir Grand Prix in Bahrain at the end of 2020.

Today, as a matter of a "personal choice", Hamilton continues to protect himself. The seven-time F1 world champion explained why.

Read also: Rosberg reveals how relationship with Hamilton collapsed

"This is a personal choice," said the Mercedes driver in Austria recently.

"I just noticed a lot of people around me are getting sick and I definitely don’t want to get sick again. I’ve already experienced it twice.

"A lot of my friends have messaged me that they have Covid and some are much worse than others.

"Nobody’s wearing a mask so I’m definitely wearing mine. I urge people to do what they want to do – it’s your health at the end of the day but I want to go home healthy.

"I want to be able to get up and train and do the things I love doing and I try, if I can, to keep the people I love around me safe when I can when I’m around them."

Hamilton heads into this week's French Grand Prix in the wake of three consecutive podium finishes.

The 103-time Grand Prix winner currently sits sixth in the 2022 Drivers' standings with 109 points, or 19 points behind his Mercedes teammate George Russell who is fifth.

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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.