McLaren driver Lando Norris had to bear the brunt of the sharp edges which is one of the major features of the Las Vegas Street Circuit. After qualifying at the much humble fifteenth spot, the British driver was ready to set it straight with a better performance during the race day on Sunday.
As the drivers raced to finish at the top spots, Lando Norris suffered from a severe crash during Lap 3 out of the 50 laps of the race. Nevertheless, the 24-year-old’s strategy had backfired.
Parts of the McLaren driven by Norris were strewn around after a big crash. The British driver came out of the crash unharmed and announced on the radio that he was alright. Surprisingly, despite the fact that pieces of Lando’s car collided with Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes, which was behind closely.
the 38-year-old suffered very little damage, To ensure safety, he was rushed to the University Medical Centre for a thorough assessment.
Some good news, team. 🧡
Following further precautionary checks, Lando has been discharged from University Medical Center. 💪#LasVegasGP 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/QGZmZ5Iycb
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) November 19, 2023
However, following the conclusion of the race, Team Principal Andrea Stella confirmed that Norris had been given the green light to leave. He stated, “Lando has been discharged, all checks are negative. So good news on Lando’s side.” But also added, “There’s a bump in that place. I think the combination of this bump and the cold tires might have surprised him.” A little more than an hour after the race wrapped up, the driver was returned to the track.
Andrea Stella advocates the smoothening of bumps that caused Lando Norris to crash
Lando Norris lost control of his McLaren on lap three of the race when he struck an unexpected bump in the midst of Turn 11, a flat-out left-hander. After spinning and reversing against the outside wall, the British driver came to a stop in the Turn 12 run-off area.
Unfortunately, Oscar Piastri’s single-point finish meant that McLaren suffered a double blow. A puncture caused by contact with Lewis Hamilton damaged the rookie’s race and required an extra pit stop.
Lando Norris has been released from hospital and returned to the circuit after his crash during the #LasVegasGP.
Here’s McLaren team boss Andrea Stella on what he thinks caused it: pic.twitter.com/d75AOPmsSf
— The Race (@wearetherace) November 19, 2023
As the team principal stressed about the bump that caused the crash, he expressed his views on the seriousness of the matter. He said, “You can see all cars sparkle when they go through this bump. Already during the weekend, we saw cases of oversteer in that place. So independently of the timetable, we would strongly recommend that this bump is smoothened out.”
Stella also indicated that it becomes tricky for a driver when such bumps cause issues especially owing to the cold weather and the impact of the darkness of night. As Lando Norris had to retire early after this incident, it paved the way for the rest of the drivers to jump a position. After qualifying at the second spot, the unfazed Max Verstappen took over Charles Leclerc and went on to win the race.
