Lando Norris car catches fire during Austrian Grand Prix practice

F1 preview: A lap of the Austrian Grand Prix

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Lando Norris has been forced out of practice just hours before qualifying at the Austrian Grand Prix as his car caught fire. Norris came to a rest just before turn six, complaining his car was on fire over team radio. 

The Mclaren driver said his car was in limp mode during the opening part of the session, suggesting there was an error. Usually, his engineers would be keen for Norris to get the car back to the garage but the Briton made it clear wanted to stop urgently after claiming his seat was “smoking”.

He said: “I’m on fire, I need to stop. Race engineer Will Joseph said: “If you’re on fire and need to stop do it.” 

Norris responded: “it’s smoking from underneath my seat mate so I’d rather get out alright.”

Norris appeared to be fine after the incident and was seen on the back of a moped heading back to the paddock. He was later discussion with engineers inside his garage in an attempt to get on top of the issues ahead of qualifying.

Ted Kravitz confirmed the 22-year-old was in a good condition after heading down to the McLaren garage. He said: “[Norris] is complaining about [his bum] being a bit hot. 

“But I’m glad to say in the garage except from just clutching it a bit and saying ‘oh that was a bit hot on my bottom’, he seems to be okay. So Lando’s bum health report, it’s okay. I tried to make that as serious as I could.”

The team can still return to the track in FP1 if they can receiver their car and fix the damage. 

Usually, the team would have an extra session this afternoon  to dial in their car ahead of qualifying tomorrow. But, McLaren will not have that luxury with Austria’s Sprint weekend format meaning qualifying will take place in just a few hours.

Source: Read Full Article