This is not the news Lewis Hamilton fans were expecting into the French Grand Prix. The 7-time world champion will not take part in the Free Practice 1 session at the Circuit Paul Ricard tomorrow. Mercedes AMG F1 Team released the statement informing the same.

The current Formula E champion and Mercedes reserve driver Nyck de Vries will replace him in the car. But the LH Army should not worry too much as their favorite driver is not injured or ill.

He has to relinquish his seat because of an unusual F1 rule that states the teams have to give their reserve drivers at least two sessions in the season.

“Nyck de Vries will be driving in place of Lewis Hamilton in FP1. Over the course of the season, each driver is required to give up one of their first practice sessions for a young driver. Lewis has selected FP1 in France for his session, and George’s will take place later in the season,” said Mercedes.

Why Do Mercedes Dominate F1?

Ahead of the French GP, Hamilton and Mercedes were chosen as winners of the race by former F1 champion Damon Hill.

Can Lewis Hamilton win the French GP?

The 1996 world champion revealed that the German team could be the surprise package at Paul Ricard. The team has been on an upward trajectory in the past couple of races and has secured four podiums in four races.

“Maybe, even on pure pace, Mercedes spring a surprise. Because I think, in race trim, Lewis has been, on occasions, very quick. It could even be Lewis in first, George in second, and Carlos Sainz in third. How about that?” said Hill on the F1 Nation Podcast.

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It is correct that the German team has picked up their form in the past couple of races. Hamilton himself has been on the podium in the past 3 races in a row. But if he has to live up to be expectations set by Hill, making him the favorite to win the race.

Sitting out of the F1 session might not be the ideal way to prepare for that feat. Hopefully, the absence won’t affect his performance when he finally gets back into the car in the FP2 session.