Melbourne Grand Prix cancelled amid coronavirus fears

This weekend’s Melbourne Grand Prix has been cancelled as the world continues to react to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

Formula One confirmed the news just minutes ago as they published a statement on social media, however according to multiple reports fans gathered at the Albert Park circuit have not yet been asked to leave the precinct or been informed of the cancellation.

It comes after speculation that the race would not be going ahead after McLaren pulled out of the race, following confirmation that an employee had tested positive for coronavirus, while star competitors Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen made the decision to fly home to Europe.

“Following the confirmation that a member of the McLaren Racing Team has tested positive for COVID-19 and the team’s decision to withdraw from the Australian Grand Prix, Formula 1 and the FIA convened a meeting of the other nine team principals on Thursday evening. Those discussions concluded with a majority view of the teams that the race should not go ahead,” a statement released this morning read.

“Formula 1 and the FIA, with the full support of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) have therefore taken the decision that all Formula 1 activity for the Australian Grand Prix are cancelled.

“We appreciate this is very disappointing news for the thousands of fans due to attend the race and all ticket holders will receive a full refund and a further announcement will be communicated in due course.

“All parties took into consideration the huge efforts of the AGPC, Motorsport Australia, staff and volunteers to stage the opening round of the 2020 FIA Formula One World Championship in Melbourne, however concluded that the safety of all members of the Formula 1 family and the wider community, as well as the fairness of the competition take priority.”