McLaren Pulls Out Of Australian Grand Prix As Team Member Test Positive For Coronavirus

McLaren will not be participating at the 2020 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne after a team member contracted the deadly COVID-19 virus also known as coronavirus.

The withdrawal was announced on Thursday following a statement released by McLaren which revealed that one of its members has been tested positive for the virus. In effect, the member has been instructed to self-isolate and undergoing medical care after showing symptoms and are working together with the "relevant local authourities" in handling the case.

"McLaren Racing has confirmed this evening that it has withdrawn from the 2020 formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, following the positive test of a team member for the coronavirus," the statement reads.

All racing teams are already in Melbourne for the season opener but since McLaren has pulled out, Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris, will not be racing on Albert Park circuit. Besides McLaren, no other teams have withdrawn from the event.

Speaking of its readiness to tackle the virus the statement added, "The team has prepared for this eventuality and has ongoing support in place for its employee who will now enter a period of quarantine."

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren and the racing team boss Andreas Seidl have communicated their decision to the F1 and the FIA, stating that their action is basically for the safety of the fans, their team and other racing teams.