Melbourne promoter weighs impact of McLaren withdrawal

La F1 played with fire. She's probably about to lose big. After McLaren's announcement of its withdrawal due to a person carrying COVID-19 in its ranks, the future of the 2020 Australian Grand Prix is ​​written in dotted lines. 

Before the start of the season, Ross Brawn, sporting director of F1, had affirmed that a race could not count for the world championship without the presence of the 10 teams. 

Now that the news of the positive Coronavirus test has broken, sport is at a crossroads. His first reaction is timid to say the least. A few lines shared on Twitter, without a specific direction: “ F1 and the FIA ​​are in discussion with the relevant authorities regarding the way forward. Our priority is the health of fans, teams and all staff present at the race ». 

The Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC), promoter of the event, was more forthcoming and revealed that a total of 9 people had been tested.

« We have been informed by the Chief Health Officer of the State of Victoria of the results of the screening tests carried out on 8 people in the Formula 1 paddock, says Andrew Westacott, CEO of AGPC. Of these 8 tests, 7 were negative for COVID-19. An 8th individual has been identified as carrying the Coronavirus. This is a member of the stable McLaren. The team immediately announced its withdrawal from the Australian Grand Prix. 

The AGPC is currently in discussions with F1, the FIA, and the Department of Health and Social Services to see what the results of these tests imply. 

A 9th person has been assessed and tested, and we are awaiting the results. This individual is not associated with F1, nor the FIA ​​or any of their partners. 

Further information will be communicated in due course ». 

Any decision other than an outright cancellation of the event would be surprising and incomprehensible to say the least.