McLaren F1 withdraws from Australian Grand Prix due to coronavirus

A Formula One team member tested positive for the coronavirus; F1 and McLaren issue statements

All 10 F1 teams landed in Melbourne, Australia this week. There’s set to run the Albert Park circuit in the next leg of the world championship.

However, only 9 will be competing this weekend.

McLaren has pulled both cars and all team members from the event. The cars of Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris will not be on the grid.

A member of the team tested positive for Coronavirus.

McLaren F1 statement following cornavirus positive test

“McLaren Racing has confirmed this evening in Melbourne that it has withdrawn from the 2020 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, following the positive test of a team member for the coronavirus,” the statement read.

“The team member was tested and self-isolated as soon as they started to show symptoms and will now be treated by local healthcare authorities.”

“The team has prepared for this eventuality and has ongoing support in place for its employee who will now enter a period of quarantine. The team is cooperating with the relevant local authorities to assist their investigations and analysis.

“Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, and Andreas Seidl, Team Principal of McLaren F1, informed Formula 1 and the FIA of the decision this evening.”

“The decision has been taken based on a duty of care not only to McLaren F1 employees and partners, but also to the team’s competitors, Formula 1 fans and wider F1 stakeholders.”

F1 statement following coronavirus positive test

“Following the outcome of the test on a member the McLaren team, Formula 1 and the FIA have been in close contact with them on their decision and have been coordinating with all the relevant authorities on the next steps. Our priority is the safety of the fans, the teams and all personnel at the race.”

Later this month, F1 is scheduled to participate at an event with no fans. Only teams and officials will be allowed access to the Bahrain Grand Prix in the coming weeks.

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McLaren F1 | Australian Grand Prix | F1

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