McLaren F1 team member self-isolating after coronavirus test

Three Formula 1 team personnel are currently self-isolating as they await results after being tested for coronavirus ahead of this weekend’s Australian Grand Prix.

One McLaren and two Haas team members are undertaking a precautionary self-isolation period in their respective hotels while they wait for test results after showing symptoms similar to the coronavirus.

A McLaren spokesperson confirmed it does not have a definitive timeframe for the results but expects to receive them overnight and will continue to operate as per its normal schedule in the meantime.

“One team member has self-isolated in the hotel as a precaution, in line with our policy, after showing symptoms similar to Coronavirus,” the team stated.

"We are awaiting test results and currently do not have a definitive timeframe for these. The team is operating as per our normal schedule.”

Teams have been arriving in Melbourne over the past week ahead of this weekend’s season-opening race at Albert Park, which is currently going ahead as planned despite the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19.

Teams are set to cancel all post-session open media calls throughout the weekend to avoid a large volume of people gathering in a small space as a precaution.

F1 has confirmed that the Melbourne paddock is set-up with facilities to test anyone showing any potential symptoms of the flu-like virus and carry out quarantine if required.

As well as pressing ahead with the Melbourne race, the second round in Bahrain is also set to go ahead as planned on March 22, though it will take place behind closed doors with fans banned from attending in line with the country’s new social distancing policy.

F1 has already postponed the Chinese Grand Prix - originally scheduled for April 19 - due to the coronavirus outbreak which has affected more than 119,000 people worldwide.