McLaren’s F1 team announced their withdrawal from this weekend’s Australian F1 Grand Prix after one of their employees was found positive for the coronavirus.

The team member was self-isolated as soon as he started showing symptoms and is now treated by the local healthcare authorities.

“The team has prepared for this eventuality and has ongoing support in place for its employee who will now enter a period of quarantine,” McLaren Racing said in its statement. “The team is cooperating with the relevant local authorities to assist their investigations and analysis.”

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So far the decision to go ahead with the Australian Grand Prix has been criticized not only by the public but from a number of drivers too, including reigning champion Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel.

Hamilton said during a press conference that he was “very, very surprised that we are here”, adding:  “It’s great that we have races, but for me it’s shocking that we’re all sitting in this room. So many fans are here already and it seems like the rest of the world is reacting, probably a little bit late.”

McLaren’s withdrawal leaves the Australian GP in a more troubled state than it already was, with Haas still waiting for the test results for four of its staff. Haas indicated that they might follow the same route with McLaren if any of their members tests positive.

Formula 1 and FIA issued a statement saying that they’ve “been coordinating with all the relevant authorities on the next steps. Our priority is the safety of the fans, the teams and all personnel at the race.”

Lando Norris, McLaren MCL35