14 more McLaren F1 staff quarantined after coronavirus case contact
A further 14 McLaren Formula 1 employees have entered a two-week quarantine after coming into close contact with the individual who tested positive for coronavirus at the Australian Grand Prix
McLaren announced on Thursday evening that one of its crew had tested positive for COVID-19, prompting the team to withdraw from the Albert Park event.
Talks between the teams and F1's other stakeholders led to the cancellation of the race on Friday morning.
In a further update issued by McLaren on Friday morning, the squad confirmed 14 team members would be placed in quarantine at its hotel in Melbourne.
"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," the statement read.
"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."
McLaren added in the statement that it fully supported the decision taken by F1, the FIA and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation to cancel the event.
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown wrote on Twitter: "I applaud the decision by F1, the FIA and the AGPC to cancel the Australian GP.
"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."
Three F1 teams were willing to practice for cancelled Australian GP
The 2020 F1 season might not start until Baku in June
Has Alonso made the right choice gambling on Aston Martin F1?
Has Alonso made the right choice gambling on Aston Martin F1? Has Alonso made the right choice gambling on Aston Martin F1?
Hamilton in the process of selecting Brad Pitt’s co-star for F1 movie
Hamilton in the process of selecting Brad Pitt’s co-star for F1 movie Hamilton in the process of selecting Brad Pitt’s co-star for F1 movie
How ‘demanding’ Alonso has started life with Aston Martin
How ‘demanding’ Alonso has started life with Aston Martin How ‘demanding’ Alonso has started life with Aston Martin
McLaren: Hiring Red Bull's Marshall an "unmissable" opportunity
McLaren: Hiring Red Bull's Marshall an "unmissable" opportunity McLaren: Hiring Red Bull's Marshall an "unmissable" opportunity
First FE podium "not too far" for Hughes as McLaren targets race pace gains
First FE podium "not too far" for Hughes as McLaren targets race pace gains First FE podium "not too far" for Hughes as McLaren targets race pace gains
The crucial next steps for McLaren on its path to F1 recovery
The crucial next steps for McLaren on its path to F1 recovery The crucial next steps for McLaren on its path to F1 recovery
IndyCar Detroit: O’Ward fastest in first practice on new street track
IndyCar Detroit: O’Ward fastest in first practice on new street track IndyCar Detroit: O’Ward fastest in first practice on new street track
Wrong weather information cost Ogier WRC Sardinia advantage
Wrong weather information cost Ogier WRC Sardinia advantage Wrong weather information cost Ogier WRC Sardinia advantage
What we learned from Friday practice at F1's 2023 Spanish GP
What we learned from Friday practice at F1's 2023 Spanish GP What we learned from Friday practice at F1's 2023 Spanish GP
Lappi's 'risky' set-up gamble paying off with WRC Sardinia lead
Lappi's 'risky' set-up gamble paying off with WRC Sardinia lead Lappi's 'risky' set-up gamble paying off with WRC Sardinia lead
The war reality that shines a light on the job Red Bull is doing
The war reality that shines a light on the job Red Bull is doing The war reality that shines a light on the job Red Bull is doing
How Mercedes' new F1 upgrades fared - and what's next for the revitalised W14
How Mercedes' new F1 upgrades fared - and what's next for the revitalised W14 How Mercedes' new F1 upgrades fared - and what's next for the revitalised W14
Why the highlight of F1 2023 so far should end Monaco's calendar slot debate
Why the highlight of F1 2023 so far should end Monaco's calendar slot debate Why the highlight of F1 2023 so far should end Monaco's calendar slot debate
Monaco Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023
Monaco Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023 Monaco Grand Prix Driver Ratings 2023
Why Alonso and Aston made the call that guaranteed Verstappen's Monaco victory
Why Alonso and Aston made the call that guaranteed Verstappen's Monaco victory Why Alonso and Aston made the call that guaranteed Verstappen's Monaco victory
The factors for and against a Red Bull upset in F1’s Monaco GP
The factors for and against a Red Bull upset in F1’s Monaco GP The factors for and against a Red Bull upset in F1’s Monaco GP
What Aston Martin's Honda deal reveals about its true F1 mindset
What Aston Martin's Honda deal reveals about its true F1 mindset What Aston Martin's Honda deal reveals about its true F1 mindset
Would Hamilton really be a worthwhile F1 investment for Ferrari?
Would Hamilton really be a worthwhile F1 investment for Ferrari? Would Hamilton really be a worthwhile F1 investment for Ferrari?
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.