Spanish Grand Prix: Fire breaks out at McLaren suite with two firefighters taken to hospital
TONIGRUNERTWITTER
A small fire has broken out in the kitchen of McLaren's hospitality suite ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix.
Practice for the race is due to take place today, with the main event then taking place 24 hours later.
According to F1 journalist Tobi Gruner, a fire broke out at McLaren's motorhome.
His images show emergency services on the scene, with while firefighters are currently on the scene trying to control the situation.
Looks like a fire broke out behind the McLaren motorhome. #AMuS #F1 pic.twitter.com/MNo0EIuN4E
— Tobi Grüner 🏁 (@tgruener) June 22, 2024
Fastest Pitstop added: "A small electrical fire broke out in the kitchen of McLaren's hospitality suite, prompting an evacuation.
"Firefighters are currently on the scene trying to control the situation."
Telegraph journalist Tom Cary said: "McLaren paddock home in Barcelona evacuated due to a fire.
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Emergency services are on the scene after a fire broke out at McLaren's hospitality suite prior to the Spanish Grand Prix
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"Fire engine and ambulance just arrived. Paramedics now heading there with a stretcher."
And PA's Philip Duncan said: "McLaren’s hospitality suite in the paddock evacuated following fire. Emergency services on the scene."
According to Sky Sports, two emergency workers have been taken to hospital. The fire has now been put out but the area has been cordoned off, while a 'thick smell of smoke' hangs in the air.
Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of F1, has revealed there were no McLaren staff present at the time.
He says two people have been taken to hospital for smoke inhalation, though their situation isn't described as 'serious'.
The fire started in the kitchen, with smoke spreading to the top floor of the building, according to Domenicali.
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McLaren have released a statement on the matter, with the F1 side saying: "This morning we evacuated our Team Hub paddock hospitality unit following a fire alert, the team has been safely evacuated while the local fire brigade handle the issue."
McLaren star Lando Norris will be hoping to win the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend.
He topped FP1 on Friday, with the Briton narrowly edging out Max Verstappen.
The fire at the McLaren suite has now been put out at the Spanish Grand Prix
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And Norris reacted by saying: “I think [it’s been] a pretty good day. Never easy in these hot conditions, it never feels amazing.
"The tyres overheat very quickly so it’s difficult to get everything in a perfect window but I think all in all, it’s a good start to the weekend.
“I felt pretty comfortable with the car from the beginning so it’s close and it’s going to be about trying to improve small things tomorrow because I’m sure it’s going be close again like it was in Canada.”