MELBOURNE (Australia): McLaren have confirmed they are withdrawing from the Australian Grand Prix after a member of the team tested positive for coronavirus.
All 10 Formula 1 teams arrived here this week ready to take part in the first race of the 2020 season at the Albert Park circuit, but on Thursday McLaren released a statement announcing that they, and drivers Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris, would not take part in the event.
The statement read: “McLaren Racing has confirmed this evening in Melbourne that it has withdrawn from the 2020 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, following the positive test of a team member for the coronavirus.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 team member was tested and self-isolated as soon as they started to show symptoms and will now be treated by local healthcare authorities.
World champion Lewis Hamilton earlier Thursday said he was stunned the race was going ahead as fears mount about the spread of the disease.
“I am really very, very surprised that we’re here. I don’t think it’s great that we have races but it really is shocking that we’re all sitting in this room,” he said at an official pre-race press conference.
A statement issued by Formula 1 read: “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.” (Source: Fomula1.com)
