Hamilton makes F1 testing admission: 'I have done that to miss test days'

Lewis Hamilton revealed that he has once faked an illness to get out of driving in tests during his time in Formula 1.

Drivers have often spoke about how much they dislike taking part in tests, mainly due to how much of a precession they can be at circuits.

In-season testing is restricted in F1 now to reduce costs, with them mainly being for tyre-maker Pirelli.

Teams can also take part in filming days which are restricted to 200km with the intent of the runs in order to create marketing and commercial material on track.

Hamilton: He's one-upped me!

Speaking at the post-season debrief at the Mercedes factory, Hamilton joined Team Principal Toto Wolff and reserve driver Mick Schumacher to address the team.

When told that George Russell had to miss due to illness, Hamilton said: “In the past I have done that to miss the test days, because I just generally don’t like test days.

“So yesterday when I heard that he was sick, I was like ‘ah, he’s one-upped me! He’s gone to another level!”

Hamilton previously missed test duties due to illness with the team, notably in 2015 when Pascal Wehrlein had to substitute the seven-time World Champion at the pre-season test at Circuit de Catalunya.