F1 team McLaren evacuates hospitality suite when fire breaks out before Spanish GP practice

Firefighters work in the paddock after the McLaren F1 team were forced to evacuate its hospitality suite due to a fire during the 3rd practice session for the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix at the Barcelona Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, near Barcelona, Spain, Saturday, June 22, 2024. The British team says there were no injuries.- AP

MONTMELÓ, Spain (AP): A fire forced the McLaren F1 team to evacuate its hospitality suite at the Spanish Grand Prix on Saturday.

The British team said one team member was taken to a hospital "as a precaution.” No damage was visible from outside while smoke billowed out.

Spanish firefighters responded and the area was cordoned off in front of the McLaren suite set up alongside those of other teams at the Circuit of Barcelona-Catalunya.

The hospitality suites are temporary structures with catering areas and meeting rooms for teams members and guests.

The incident occurred just before McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri participated in the third and final practice session before qualifying is held for Sunday’s race.

McLaren said that it wanted to "thank Formula 1, the FIA and our competitors who have offered to help our team and guests this weekend.” - AP