McLaren team member 'recovering well and the symptoms have gone' says Brown

Zak Brown has revealed that the team member who tested positive for coronavirus at the Australian Grand Prix is recovering well.

The race was cancelled after 15 members of the McLaren team were placed in self-isolation, including the one member confirmed to have contracted the coronavirus, and Brown says he is pleased with the way that his team reacted and handled the fast-developing situation.

“I’m proud of how the whole team, both in Australia and back at base, handled the situation in a moment of real pressure and concern for their colleagues,” said Brown.

“The focus, calmness and professionalism was outstanding across the team. We had leaders stepping up everywhere and that is testament to our people.

“We had been continually scenario-planning together with the team back in the UK, so we knew what our options were in the event of various outcomes."

Brown adds that he and team principal Andreas Seidl had discussed a course of action ahead of the GP for if any of the team were to be taken ill, then decisive action would be taken.

“Andreas and I already agreed that if we had a positive case in the garage there was only one option," continued Brown. "As I said before, as a racer it was the hardest decision I’ve had to take but as CEO it was the easiest. Our people come first and Andreas feels very strongly about this too.

“When the news came through on Thursday evening Andreas and I were at dinner with one of our shareholders.

“We immediately returned to the team hotel to join our race team leadership and while Andreas focused on leading the team, I focused on our board and shareholders, who were absolutely supportive I must say, while informing the other teams, F1 and the FIA.

“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.

“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.”

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