‘Gutted’ Norris: Health the “most important thing” for F1

Lando Norris says he is “gutted” by the events surrounding the Australian Grand Prix but added “everyone’s health is the most important thing right now” amid the coronavirus outbreak.

McLaren pulled out of the Formula 1’s 2020 season opener in Melbourne after one of its team members tested positive for COVID-19, resulting in members of the team being quarantined.

The Australian Grand Prix is set to be called off by F1 officials as a response to the situation, though an official announcement is yet to be made on the eve of the weekend.

“While I’m gutted that I can’t race, the most important thing right now is everyone’s health,” Norris said in a post on social media.

“We’ve been doing everything we can to limit spread and that has naturally involved me being around as few people as possible.

“My only thoughts are with the team and everyone in the world fighting this.”

In total, nine people - including four members of the Haas team - were tested for the flu-like virus with just one positive case emerging from the results.

It remains to be seen whether the Bahrain Grand Prix - which is due to take place behind closed doors on March 22 - will go ahead, or whether McLaren will be able to get to the race amid the travel restrictions and strict self-isolation periods currently being imposed by countries in response to the ongoing pandemic.

There are also doubts over F1’s inaugural Vietnam Grand Prix, which is scheduled to make its debut on the calendar in Hanoi on April 5.