McLaren employee positive for COVID-19 is doing better

In the wake of the verdict, the team of Woking had the courage to withdraw from the Australian Grand Prix with immediate effect and forced the F1 to a serious examination of conscience, which led to the cancellation of the race, not without endless negotiations. 

As a precaution, 14 other people who had been in contact with the sick person were quarantined at their Melbourne hotel. These employees are accompanied by management representatives during their forced isolation, including sports director Andrea Stella and her team. 

Team principal Andreas Seidl also stayed a few extra days in Australia to coordinate the team's action before returning to Woking. 

« I am proud of how the entire team responded, both on site and at the factory, declares Zak Brown in a press release which was sent to AUTOhebdo. They handled an extremely stressful situation with calm, diligence, and professionalism. ».

Unlike the sport's governing bodies, McLaren had " considered several scenarios and knew your options depending on this or that event ". If someone tested positive for COVID-19, “ there was only one option, explains Brown. When we heard the news on Thursday evening, Andreas and I were having dinner with one of our shareholders.

We immediately returned to the hotel and Andreas took over management of the racing team, while I spoke with the shareholders, who were very supportive, and I informed the other teams, F1, and the FIA. I am happy to inform you that the person who contracted the virus is recovering well and is no longer showing any symptoms. Others in quarantine are in good spirits and receiving support from their colleagues, our partners, and the entire F1 community ». 

Seidl, for his part, would like to thank the other teams who helped McLaren dismantle its facilities in the paddock and pack the cargo in the absence of 14 employees. A fine example of solidarity that we would have liked to see expressed at other levels as well.