McLaren’s Lando Norris Recovers After Harrowing Las Vegas GP Crash: Team Updates on Driver’s Health
Following a dramatic crash at the Las Vegas GP, Lando Norris of McLaren Racing has been discharged from the hospital, confirming his well-being. The incident occurred when Norris lost control of his MCL60 F1 car, leading to a heavy impact and subsequent medical evaluations.
Key Takeaways:
- The Incident: Lando Norris encountered a major setback during the Las Vegas GP when he lost control of his MCL60 due to a rear traction issue. This resulted in a spin and collision with the wall at Turn 12, leading to Norris being hospitalized for precautionary checks.
- Norris’s Health Update: After undergoing evaluations, Norris was discharged from the University Medical Center. He expressed gratitude towards the medical staff and team, noting the unfortunate end to the GP weekend and preparing for the season finale in Abu Dhabi.
- Team Principal’s Insight: Andrea Stella, the McLaren team principal, attributed the crash to a combination of a bump on the track and cold tyres. He emphasized the complex interplay of factors like tyre condition, car speed, and positioning, which can vary the impact of such track features on different drivers.
In a turn of events at the Las Vegas GP, McLaren Racing’s Lando Norris experienced a significant setback. The British driver, who started from P15, found himself climbing up to P13 in the early laps. However, a loss of rear traction on his MCL60 led to a spin and a severe crash against the wall near Turn 12.
Norris’s car managed to reach the run-off area before hitting the barrier, a moment that surely raised concerns among the McLaren team and fans alike. Norris was quick to reassure his team over the radio, confirming that he was unharmed immediately after the incident. Despite this, he was taken to the circuit’s medical center for an evaluation and, as a precaution, transferred to the University Medical Center for a comprehensive check-up.
The McLaren driver, after being discharged, shared his thoughts on the incident: “An unfortunate end to our Las Vegas GP weekend. I just bottomed out on the restart, lost the rear and hit the wall. Not the way we wanted the weekend to end, especially considering the pace looked promising on Oscar’s side. Big thanks go to the medical staff for checking me over, and to the team for the work they’ll now put in on the car. One week to reset and go again for the season finale in Abu Dhabi.”
Andrea Stella, McLaren’s team principal, provided further insights into the cause of the crash. He pointed out a specific bump on the track, which, combined with cold tyres, likely caught Norris off guard. Stella added, “It’s the same bump for everyone. It just depends on your speed, the condition of your tyres, how your car is positioned over the bump there, the position of the car ahead, so there are multiple factors. Just maybe Lando made the assumption that there was enough grip, but it’s a very tricky place. I’m sure all drivers will comment that that’s something that needs to be fixed.”
Despite the challenges faced in Las Vegas, McLaren Racing managed to score two points thanks to Oscar Piastri’s P10 finish and the fastest lap achievement. This outcome is a testament to the team’s resilience and ability to navigate through the highs and lows of the fiercely competitive world of Formula 1 racing. The team now looks ahead to the season finale in Abu Dhabi, hoping for a strong finish to the season.
