Lewis Hamilton’s running in the W06 has been cut short on Thursday due to him feeling unwell, according to the team.
The Briton had managed to complete 11 laps during the opening hour of running in Barcelona, but a high fever means he will no longer take part in the days running.
“Lewis is unwell and not able to continue driving today,” confirmed Mercedes.
Therefore the team have drafted in reserve driver Pascal Wehrlein to replace Hamilton for the afternoon. The 20-year-old was already on loan to Force India but has been called back by Mercedes.
That opens up a seat at Force India for either Nico Hulkenberg or Sergio Perez, with both not originally scheduled to drive until later in the week.
Hamilton is due back in the car on Saturday, but it isn’t clear if he’ll sit out the entire test or just Thursday.
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