Stoffel Vandoorne admits he feels disappointed after not being called up by Mercedes to reꦍplace Lewis Hamilton for this weekend’s 💝F1 Sakhir Grand Prix.

The seven-time champion was ruled out of this weekend’s second race in Bahrain after testing positive fo🐟r COVID-19.

Vandoorne has been Mercedes’ official reserve dꦕriver for the season but Mercedes overlooked the Belgian, opting for Williams’ George Russell instead.

Russell is one of Mercedes'🅰 junior drivers and was the team's test and reserve driver in 2018, before joining Williams as a full-time driver in 2019.

Th🎉e Briton has yet to score a championship point since making his debut at the st൲art of 2019 but this weekend will provide the best opportunity yet.

Vandoorne had just finished driving in t🐻he Formula E test in Valencia an💞d flew to Bahrain shortly after.

Mercedes will run Rus🍌sell alongside Valtteri Bottas, while Williams has called up Jack Aitkenℱ.

Vandoorne wrote on Instagram: “I want to🐟 wish Lewis Hamilton a speedy recovery and hopefully he’ll be back in the car ASAP. Nobody can really replace him!

“Obviously, I’m disappointed not to get the chance to d💯rive for Mercedes this weekend.

“After having spent the year travelling to all F1 𓆉races and dedicating so much time, physical training, commitment to this programme…it hurts!

“On the other hand, I respect the choice of putting George Russell in the car. He has been one of the standout drivers and he fully deserves this opportunity🅰.

“It’ꦏs moments like these that make my drive even bigger and I can assure you I’m going to continue giving 100%!

“Thank you so much, everyone, for all your su🦂pportive messages! It’s been great to see.”