McLaren withdraw from Australian GP after positive coronavirus case

McLaren has withdrawn from the season-opening Australian Grand Prix after a member of its team tested positive for the coronavirus. 

A member of the team had been self-isolating in Melbourne since Wednesday after showing symptons of COVID-19 amid the ongoing pandemic and the Woking squad confirmed on Thursday evening that the result was positive. 

It has subsequently pulled out of the first race of the 2020 F1 season, throwing the opening round in jeopardy. F1 sporting boss Ross Brawn had previously stated that a world championship race would not take place if one team was unable to participate. 

"McLaren Racing has confirmed this evening in Melbourne that it has withdrawn from the 2020 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, following the positive test of a team member for the coronavirus," a team statement read.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

Four members of the Haas team crew were also tested for coronavirus but the American squad confirmed that all results had come back negative. 

A statement from F1 in response to McLaren's withdrawal read: "Formula 1 and the FIA 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."