All tested McLaren F1 crew negative for COVID-19

All seven members of McLaren’s Formula 1 race crew that were tested for coronavirus following the Australian Grand Prix have returned negative results.

McLaren withdrew from the planned season-opener in Melbourne after a member of its team contracted COVID-19, which ultimately resulted in the race being called off.

The British squad subsequently placed a total of 16 members of its crew into a 14-day period of quarantine as a precautionary measure, with the rest of the team not required to be tested for the flu-like virus.

McLaren confirmed earlier this week that the team member who tested positive is no longer showing symptoms of coronavirus, though the rest of the crew currently self-isolating in Melbourne will remain there to observe the full quarantine period as advised.

Driver Carlos Sainz also placed himself into a voluntary period of “strict quarantine” as a precaution, with the Spaniard revealing on Tuesday that he had also tested negative for COVID-19.

“McLaren is pleased to confirm that all seven of its race team members who were tested for coronavirus while in quarantine in Melbourne have returned negative results,” a McLaren team statement read.

“All are doing well and in good spirits. The one team member that tested positive initially is also now free of symptoms. The balance of personnel were not required to be tested at the direction of the medical authorities.

“In total, 16 members of the team were placed in quarantine, 14 due to close contact with the team member who tested positive, and an additional team member who developed symptoms over the weekend.

“As a precaution, these team members will remain in self-isolation for a further week to honour the 14-day period as requested by the Australian medical authorities. The team continues to be supported by three members of senior management who have stayed for the duration.

“On behalf of the team and all McLaren personnel in Melbourne, the team sends its thanks for all the well wishes, support and offers of care package deliveries, which are going a long way to maintain team morale.”