Stoffel Vandoorne admits he feels disappointed after not being called up by Mercedes to replace Lewis Hamilton for this weekend’s F1 Sakh🌟ir Grand Prix.

The seven-time champion was ruled out of this weekend’s second race in Bahrai𓃲n after testing positive𒁏 for COVID-19.

Vandoorne has🍷 been Me🍒rcedes’ official reserve driver 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.

The Briton has yet to score a c🅺hampionship point since making his debut at the start of 2019 butౠ this weekend will provide the best opportunity yet.

Vandoorne had🐼 just finished driving in🎉 the Formula E test in Valencia and flew to Bahrain shortly after.

Mercedes will run Russe🦄ll alongside Valtteri Bottas, while Willi♉ams has called up Jack Aitken.

Vandoorne wrote on Inst𓆉agram: “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 drive for Mercedes this weekend.

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

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

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

“Tಌhank you so much, everyone, for all your supportive messages! It’s beಞen great to see.”