McLaren staff member hospitalised after Spanish GP fire

McLaren were forced to evacuate their hospitality unit after a fire broke out at the Spanish GP.

According to Stefano Domenicali, the fire started in the kitchen and spread to the top floor of the hospitality area.

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The team confirmed later in the afternoon that one staff member was taken to hospital as a precaution, while two fire personnel were taken away to be treated for smoke inhalation, although their condition is not believed to be serious.

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The area around the motorhome was cordoned off, with ambulances and the fire service surrounding the motorhome as smoke continues to linger in the hospitality unit.

A statement from the team read: "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."

The fire was reportedly difficult to put out, with Pirelli chief Mario Isola, also a part time paramedic, helping with the efforts to extinguish the blaze.

Lando Norris told the media that his race suits were inside the motorhome, but his FP3 session was not delayed.

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Red Bull were tipped as the team to beat in Spain, however the chasing pack of McLaren, Ferrari and now Mercedes are a genuine threat this weekend, after a strong performance in all three practice sessions.

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