McLaren’s hospitality suite at the Spanish Grand Prix was evacuated after a fire broke out before final practice.
Fire crews arrived at the scene just after 12pm local time with smoke coming from a building at the Circuit de Catalunya, on the outskirts of Barcelona.
According to the PA news agency, the fire broke out just before the third training session was due to begin and Lando Norris was among those forced to evacuate.
A McLaren spokesman confirmed that all team members were evacuated safely.
Twitter This content is provided by Twitter and may use cookies and other technologies. To view this content, you must allow the use of cookies. You can change your settings using the button below to enable cookies for Twitter or allow these cookies once only. You can change your settings at any time via your privacy options. Unfortunately, we were unable to check if you consented to Twitter cookies. To view this content, please allow Twitter cookies for this session only using the button below. Enable cookiesAllow one-time cookiesImage: Fire breaks out at McLaren hospitality ahead of final practice for the Spanish Grand Prix
A short statement said: “Following a fire alarm this morning we evacuated the paddock hospitality unit in the team hub. The team was evacuated safely and the issue was dealt with by local fire services.”
Sky Sports News understands that at least two firefighters were treated for smoke inhalation but their condition is not thought to be serious.
As final practice began as scheduled, McLaren CEO Zak Brown appeared outside the two-storey suite.
Brooks: I smelled smoke coming from the TV building.
Sky Sports F1’s Rachel Brooks on McLaren:
“I spoke to someone from the team who was in the kitchen and they said the smoke was coming from between the alcoves and that’s why it was difficult to put out. It’s thought to be an electrical fault.”
“Smoke poured into the hospitality area, which was packed with media personnel and guests.
“The drivers’ room is on the first floor so you’ll need to bring your helmet and race suit unless you have a spare for final practice.
“All McLaren crew members were safe but several firefighters were taken away wearing oxygen masks.
“I could smell smoke coming from the TV station building quite a distance away.”
“Firefighters arrived on the scene quickly.”
James Galloway of Sky Sports Barcelona:
“Fire crews quickly arrived at the scene in the paddock and firefighters could be seen with hoses heading towards the hospitality unit, which was evacuated after the fire broke out.
“The paddock at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is busy as usual, but officials have cleared a route through the centre of the paddock to allow emergency vehicles to easily reach the McLaren teams and the scene of the ongoing incident.”
