Formula One and owners Liberty Media are facing a huge backlash after pressing on with the Australian Grand Prix despite the risk of a large-scale event being a catalyst for the spread of the coronavirus.

McLaren have now withdrawn from the Grand Prix after a team member tested positive for the virus and now fans, angered by the decision not to cancel the event weeks earlier, have been further incensed by the statement released by the championship.

The tweet reads, "Formula 1 and the FIA have have been coordinating with all the relevant authorities on the next steps. Our priority is the safety of the fans, the teams and all personnel at the race."

The following is a selection of responses from fans, with many calling on F1 and Liberty Media to cancel not just the Australian Grand Prix, but the majority of the flyaway races that open the year.

what a joke of a statement. the time for following advice and waiting and seeing has passed time to make a choice of weather the gates open at 8:45 tomoz or crews start the pack up

— TimeCertainClock (@TimeCertainRace) March 12, 2020

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Teams, personnel and what ? pic.twitter.com/yfiGoAEpm3

— #MsportXtra (@MsportXtra) March 12, 2020

pic.twitter.com/evFoOHZycC

— TheNiki94 (@TheNiki94) March 12, 2020

Being proactive is better than being reactive. MotoGP and Formula E's leadership have done so much better in this awful situation. It's disappointing but cancelling the race is the only option imo.

— Alex (@alexblackmore67) March 12, 2020

F1 and FIA pic.twitter.com/bjLtIZi7UY

— Marcos (@MarcosFC15) March 12, 2020

“Our priority is safety” pic.twitter.com/95usbVfjeN

— Martina (@CarraroMartina) March 12, 2020

Please listen to the WHOLE world on this and make the right decision. Hosting this Grand Prix is incredibly selfish and honestly angers me at the naivety of it.

— Jason Rodgers (@_JasonF1) March 12, 2020

Yet you've barely made any public statement. Instead Chase et al have had their heads in the sand whilst chasing the almighty dollar.

— tweetSP0RT (@tweetSP0RT) March 12, 2020

You can not be taking public health seriously if you are happy to allow such large crowds to gather when you have locally confirmed cases, even within the teams. Will be absolutely gutted but needs must. #canceltheGrandPrix

— William McCone (@WilliamMcCone1) March 12, 2020

In that case, cancel this race, Bahrain, Vietnam, and see how feasible it is to start at Zandvoort, or later if required. You rolled the dice. It didn't land on 'no positive tests'. This could and should have been avoided.

— Craig Stevanato (@stevvy1986) March 12, 2020