The Australian Grand Prix will be called off in the coming hours after a McLaren team member tested positive for coronavirus, according to the BBC.
There is no official word yet from either the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC), FIA or government officials but the decision is set to be made with the first practice session scheduled for midday on Friday.
The McLaren F1 team announced its withdrawal from the season-opener on Thursday night after one of its crew tested positive for COVID-19.
The AGPC confirmed the other seven team members who self-isolated after developing flu-like symptoms were in the clear after their tests came back negative.
"The AGPC is currently in discussions with Formula 1, the FIA and the Department of Health and Human Services in relation to the broader implications of this test result,” Australian Grand Prix CEO Andrew Westacott said in a statement.
McLaren Racing withdraws from the 2020 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix. pic.twitter.com/BZvHVKQoev
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) March 12, 2020
"Additionally, a ninth individual has been assessed and tested for the COVID-19 virus, with the results of this test pending. This individual is not associated with any Formula 1 team, the FIA or associated suppliers.
"The AGPC will provide updates as further details become available."
The decision to call off the Australian Grand Prix casts doubt over the rest of the Formula One calendar, with the Chinese Grand Prix already cancelled and the Bahrain Grand Prix later this month set to take place behind closed doors.
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