McLaren Team Principal Calls Far Change In Las Vegas After Norris' Scary-Looking Crash

F1
Monday, 20 November 2023 at 00:00
norris lando mclaren car19
McLaren team principal gave the media an update on the situation of Lando Norris after a scary-looking crash at Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
McLaren F1 drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri both had to start the 2023 Las Vegas Gran Prix from the back of the grid after a disappointing qualification result.
Both drivers then profited from the carnage, in turn, one of the first laps of the race and moved up into P12 and P13, increasing their chances of scoring some decent points for their team.
However, on lap 3, Norris lost control of his McLaren going through turn 11 and countersteered into the wall at a very high speed, which sent him sliding into the opposite wall at the end of the run-off area in turn 12.
The 24-year-old didn't respond to his race engineer for a few seconds before saying he was okay, but it was clear from his voice that he was in pain. His team principal, Andrea Stella, told the media after the race:
"Lando has been discharged [from hospital]. All checks are negative, so good news on Lando's side. There's a bump in that place. You can see all cars sparkle when they go through this bump."
George Russell told media before the race he feared what effect the cold temperatures would have on the grip of F1 cars and his worries were confirmed by the crash of McLaren driver. Stella explained:
"I think the combination of the bump and the cold tires might have surprised him. But otherwise, we don't see any issue with the car or a different nature."
The team principal thinks the bump in the turn 11 is dangerous and should be removed before future races at the Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
"I think that bump, if we carry on racing at night time, it should be fixed because the tires will always be cold, low grip, and it becomes a very tricky corner."