The McLaren team member who tested positive for coronavirus at the Australian Grand Prix is “recovering well”, according to CEO Zak Brown.
The man whose positive diagnosis was the catalyst behind the cancellation of the 2020 Formula 1 season opener, Brown has revealed he is exhibiting no further symptoms of the COVID-19 virus.
“I’m happy to report that our team member affected with the virus is recovering well and the symptoms have gone and our people in quarantine are in good spirits,” he said.
“The support they have been getting from their team-mates, our partners, members of the F1 community and fans from around the world has been fantastic and our thanks go out to all of them.”
However, the man and the fourteen other McLaren staffers who were in close contact with him remain in a two week quarantine in Melbourne, while an additional group of employees elected to stay behind in support, including racing director Andrea Stella.
Furthermore, all team members who travelled to Melbourne have been barred from their Woking factory for two weeks as a further precaution.
Having made the decision to withdraw from the Australian GP before its official cancellation, Brown reiterated his earlier statement that “as a racer, it was the hardest decision I’ve had to take, but as CEO it was the easiest.”
“Our focus is now on the dialogue with F1, the FIA and the other teams on working through the 2020 calendar and managing the team over the next few months. It’s early days and this is an evolving situation but we are planning ahead and will stay flexible.”