Quarantined McLaren staff will be welcomed "back to the UK this week"

The McLaren staff forced into quarantine in Melbourne due to the coronavirus will be home by the end of the week.

Following a positive test for one member of the team ahead of the Australian Grand Prix, a further 16 had to self-isolate for a two-week period, which is now drawing to a close.

While that person has already returned after being declared symptom free by health officials, the remainder have had to bide their time before being allowed to make their way back.

Asked about the quarantined personnel, team principal Andreas Seidl said: "They’re doing well.

"I stayed out with them for a couple of extra days and some senior members of the team are still there with them.

"All the team members who had been tested as a precaution tested negative, which is fantastic news.

"The person that had tested positive is now feeling well and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to the UK this week."

Seidl has also confirmed that in line with the policy of bringing forward the summer shutdown to a spring break, McLaren will close the doors on its Woking factory for a three-week period from tomorrow.

"Last week we agreed with Formula 1, the FIA and the other F1 teams that we will extend the summer shutdown to three weeks and bring it forward to March and April," added Seidl.

"We are reacting as quickly as possible to the changing situation and the advice from the UK government. Therefore at McLaren, our shutdown period will be from Wednesday 25 March to Tuesday 14 April 2020 inclusive.

"In addition to reducing financial pressure, a synchronised shutdown among all teams is not only a logical way to safeguard the wellbeing of our people and prevent the spread of COVID-19, but it also provides the opportunity to reschedule postponed races from August and beyond and give fans a spectacular summer of racing."

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