MELBOURNE: The Australian Grand Prix was thrown into uncertainty Thursday following McLaren Racing’s withdrawal from the 2020 Formula 1 season-opening race after a member of the team tested positive for the coronavirus.
All 10 F1 teams arrived in Melbourne 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 employee was among at least five F1 personnel – four from Haas – who went into isolation this week after showing flu-like symptoms typical of the virus, AFP reports.
“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,” McLaren said in a statement, adding that he would be quarantined.
The statement read: “McLaren Racing has confirmed this evening in Melbourne that it has withdrawn from the 2020 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, following the positive test of a team member for the coronavirus.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.”
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.”
AFP further adds:
McLaren’s decision to pull out casts doubt over whether the race will be run without a full complement of teams, and whether others will follow suit.
World champion Lewis Hamilton earlier on Thursday said he was “very surprised” that it 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 packed with media.
“It seems that the rest of the world is already reacting a little bit late, but you have seen this morning with (President Donald) Trump shutting down the border to Europe to the States, the NBA suspended, yet Formula One continues to go on.
“It’s a concern I think for the people here. It’s quite a big circus that’s come here, it’s definitely concerning for me.”
The Mercedes star, who is gunning to match Michael Schumacher’s record seven world crowns this season, sat alongside Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel and Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo in the media session, but a large open space separated them from the press.
Asked why he felt the race was still on, Hamilton replied: “Cash is king.”
The first F1 practice sessions are due to start on Friday.
