McLaren announced its withdrawal from racing in Melbourne late Thursday night after a team member tested positive for coronavirus.
The other nine team principals met with F1 managing director Ross Brawn later that evening, and Alfa Romeo was one of the squads pushing for a cancellation. Together with Ferrari, Mercedes and Renault, they sent letters to the FIA explaining their reasons.
The race was officially canceled shortly before the start of training on Friday morning.
“As a racing driver it is difficult to make such a decision,” Vasseur told Autosport.
“But first we have to think about our employees, the safety of the fans, the image of the sport, the image of the sponsors and also McLaren, because it would have been a little unfair to let them go alone. I think it was the right decision.
“It’s not easy for the team because everyone was pressing like hell to be in Melbourne on time, on the racing team, but also back at the factory.
“But we have to make the decision, maybe it’s a shame it’s a little too late – but it blew up so quickly.”
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