McLaren has confirmed that a further 14 team members have been quarantined in Melbourne.
The decision comes after another McLaren employee was confirmed last night to have been infected with COVID-19.
A statement by the team said the individuals who have been placed in quarantine where those “who had been in close contact with the team member who tested positive for coronavirus.”
The rest of the team have been cleared to travel back home to the UK but will not be able to return to the McLaren Technology Centre for at least 14 days.
The full statement reads:
“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 reads. “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 were one of many Formula One teams to express their support of the FIA and AGPC decision to cancel the Australian Grand Prix earlier today.