The F1 season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, set to kick off this weekend, has been cancelled in the interest of health and concerns over the spread of the Wuhan novel coronavirus (Covid-19). “At 9am today (March 13, 2020) the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) was advised by Formula 1 of their intention to cancel all Formula 1 activity at the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix,” a statement from the organizers said. “In light of this decision and updated advice this morning from the Chief Health Officer of the Victorian Government’s Department of Human and Health Services, the Australian Grand Prix Corporation confirms the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix is cancelled immediately,” the statement went on. The cancellation comes after a member of the McLaren Racing team was confirmed to have contracted the Covid-19 virus, which prompted the racing team to pull out of the event. "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,” said a joint statement from F1, governing body Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) and the AGPC. “Those discussions concluded with a majority view of the teams that the race should not go ahead.” Eight other individuals have been tested, with seven returning negative results. The remaining test has its results pending, but the individual is not associated with any F1 team, FIA or associated suppliers, according to the organizers. “Our first priority is the safety of everyone including attendees, our personnel, all event partners and members of the local community,” said the AGPC. Organizers expressed their sympathies for those disappointed by the news, and announced that they will issue a full refund to all ticket holders in the coming days, adding that 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,” the organizers said.

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