After the decision of McLaren to withdraw from the competition, several hours and several meetings passed after a positive test for coronavirus of an ill employee. The leaders of Formula 1 discussed the situation with the local authorities, separately gathered the leaders of the teams, who by a majority vote decided to refuse to participate in the race. Although not everyone voted for it.
Of the nine examined on Thursday, only one McLaren employee tested positive. Given the nearly 1,000 team staff and the WHO pandemic, the result is modest, but the consequences were serious. On Friday morning it was announced that the Australian Grand Prix was canceled.
Arriving at the Grand Prix, British journalists immediately insisted on the cancellation of the stage, hoping to return home as soon as possible. Numerous fans who were guaranteed a race a few days ago were hoping to see the beginning of the season with their own eyes and experienced completely opposite emotions, but Liberty Media admitted defeat and canceled the stage.
There are serious questions about the Grand Prix of Bahrain, which should take place behind closed doors next week, but it is obvious that McLaren will not have time to leave the quarantine during this time.
Perhaps the 2020 season starts in early May in the Netherlands, if by that time the situation with the coronavirus could be taken under control. Already on Friday we will find out the details.
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