14 McLaren team members placed into quarantine
McLaren has put 14 team members into a 14-day quarantine following one of its crew testing positive for coronavirus.
The Woking-based team immediately withdrew from the 2020 Formula 1 opening round in Australia following the confirmation a team member has coronavirus, which triggered a drawn-out saga to see the race officially cancelled just two hours before first practice.
McLaren has put 14 team members into a 14-day quarantine following one of its crew testing positive for coronavirus.
The Woking-based team immediately withdrew from the 2020 Formula 1 opening round in Australia following the confirmation a team member has coronavirus, which triggered a drawn-out saga to see the race officially cancelled just two hours before first practice.
McLaren has given an update on its situation with 14 other members, in addition to the confirmed case, now in quarantine at the team hotel for 14 days as part of the health authority directives in Melbourne.
The 14 team members had direct contact with the individual who picked up coronavirus, with the team members being supported by senior staff during their quarantine period.
The rest of the McLaren squad have been packing up its team equipment at Albert Park and will travel back to its UK base, but none of the race team members will return to its Woking base for a further 14 days as a precaution to prevent possible spread within the company’s HQ.
“I applaud the decision by F1, the FIA and the AGPC to cancel the Australian GP, McLaren boss Zak Brown tweeted after the race as cancelled. “The health and safety of the F1 family and local community must come first.
“As a racer, this was the most difficult decision I have had to take. As a CEO, it was the easiest decision to take.”
McLaren team statement:
“Overnight, 14 members of the team, in addition to the one confirmed case, were placed in quarantine at the team hotel for 14 days, in accordance with local health authority directives,” a McLaren statement confirmed.
“These are individuals who had been in close contact with the team member who tested positive for coronavirus. These individuals are being supported by senior team personnel, who will stay behind with them during the quarantine period.
“Any other team members who show symptoms will be tested immediately and self-isolate, in line with our protocol.
“Other members of the team have been cleared to return to the paddock to pack down team equipment before travelling back to the UK. On arrival in the UK, no race team member will return to the McLaren Technology Centre for a period of 14 days, as a precautionary measure.”
