McLaren's Seidl stays in Melbourne with quarantined staff

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McLaren F1 boss Andreas Seidl has remained in Australia to uphold the morale of team members stranded in quarantine in Melbourne.

A McLaren employee tested positive for the coronavirus on Thursday and the case led to the Woking-based outfit's withdrawal from the Australian Grand Prix, a decision that set in motion the event's cancellation on Friday morning.

As a matter of precaution, McLaren subsequently place 14 additional team members in isolation in Melbourne.

McLaren quarantines 14 team members in Melbourne!

The remainder of the team has flown back to the UK but all personnel which made the trip Down Under has been advised to remain at home and restricted from returning to the McLaren Technology Center for a period of 15 days.

But Seidl, acting as the true leader he is, isn't leaving his team members behind on their own in Australia.

"I sorted out the team all night and for the moment I stay with my employees in Melbourne – just to support them," Seidl told F1-Insider.

Along with McLaren Racing chief Zak Brown, Seidl made the call to pull the team out of the Australian Grand Prix, insisting he had no other choice as the health and safety of his employees was paramount.

"I had to act immediately and decided to withdraw the team from the race," added Seidl.

"My decision was fully supported by the team owners. There was no other option for me. In such a case, the safety of my employees is my top priority."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.