The team cited unexpected financial complications involving one of its major partners.
A statement from the team confirms the sponsor “cannot fulfil its agreed financial commitments, citing frozen capital due to the ongoing global conflict”.
The car was to be driven by Pro-Am duo Geoff Emery and team owner-driver Josh Hunt.
The announcement came just half an hour before the scheduled start of Free Practice 1 at the Ipswich circuit, where the car is parked in the pit lane.
“While Volante Rosso and its management sympathise with these broader geopolitical challenges, the late notice leaves the team without the required operational budget to safely and competitively field the car this weekend,” the statement continued.
“The team remains committed to its other entries at Queensland Raceway, including category debutant Cameron Rees in the Aston Martin Vantage GT3, plus the team’s four entries in the Radical Cup Australia.
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“The Volante Rosso McLaren was prepared and transported to Queensland Raceway with the full intention to compete this weekend. However, the popular car will remain at the circuit, but only on display.
“The team is working on multiple options to return the McLaren to the track in the remaining rounds of GT World Challenge Australia.”
Hunt expressed his disappointment in the decision.
“This is a frustrating situation for our entire team,” said Hunt.
“The crew did all the work to prepare the car, and being forced to withdraw at our home track is devastating.
“We understand the complexities of the current global landscape, but motorsport requires a level of financial certainty and we simply could not make this event work.
“We will focus on our other racing in GT and Radical Cup at Queensland Raceway this weekend and we are really looking forward to sharing some good news about when we will get the McLaren back on track.”
GT World Challenge Australia hits the track for the first of three practice sessions today (June 12) at 9:30am AEST.
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