Australian Grand Prix CANCELLED

The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix has been cancelled following McLaren's withdrawal from the event after a team member tested positive for coronavirus.

The decision has been made after nine members of team personnel, the majority from the Haas team, went into self isolation after showing symptoms of the coronavirus.

Of the nine people tested, only the one test came back as positive.

There has still been no official comment from the FIA and Formula One, now several hours after the meeting was held.

In making the decision to cancel the race, it transpires that this was reached by a majority vote between teams principals and, while some were happy to continue, most were against the idea.

Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey was in Vietnam on Thursday and is believed to have been holding crisis talks with grand prix officials to save the race after a travel ban was introduced that would prevent the majority of team personnel from attending.

With the Bahrain Grand Prix set to take place behind closed doors if it does take place at all, it is now highly likely that the season will begin in the Netherlands on May 3.

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