Amid preparations for the weekend’s racing action at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, McLaren’s hospitality unit was unexpectedly engulfed in smoke as a small fire erupted, precipitating a swift evacuation.
As the anticipation for the third practice session built up, the usual buzz around the Barcelona paddock was interrupted by a more alarming sight. The McLaren hospitality area, central to the paddock’s activities, was suddenly taken over by smoke, causing immediate concern. McLaren’s team members and guests, under the guidance of CEO Zak Brown, swiftly made their exit from the premises, prioritizing safety above all else.
The incident, taking place less than an hour before the practice sessions, quickly drew the attention of the local fire brigade in Montmelo. Early investigations suggest that an issue within the building’s electrical wiring might have sparked the fire. Fortunately, the emergency response was prompt, with fire crews arriving at the scene in moments to tackle the blaze.
In a statement to PlanetF1.com, McLaren expressed gratitude for the rapid assistance saying, ‘This morning a fire was detected in our trackside Team Hub. The team hub was evacuated of all staff and guests, and circuit emergency services attended the scene within minutes. The circuit emergency services and local fire department have since extinguished the fire.’ The team also confirmed that all personnel were accounted for and reassured that their racing plans were unaffected.
While one McLaren team member was taken to the hospital as a precaution, all others on the premises were unharmed. This quick-thinking response and the efforts of emergency services ensured no major injuries occurred, although a few fire personnel had to receive treatment for smoke inhalation.
The incident did not interfere with McLaren’s preparations on the track. Both drivers, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, proceeded with their practice sessions as planned, unfazed by the chaos. Meanwhile, Rachel Brookes from Sky F1 provided updates, highlighting the logistical challenges that McLaren faced due to the fire, particularly as it’s the first in a series of three European races.
While the team navigates this unexpected hurdle, support from the Formula 1 community has been overwhelming. Competitors and colleagues in the paddock have stepped in to offer assistance, embodying the close-knit F1 family spirit. Although access to their hospitality unit remains restricted, McLaren continues to operate with assistance from other teams, a testimony to the solidarity within the motorsport world.
Despite the disruptions caused by the unexpected fire, McLaren’s quick response and the support from the F1 community ensured minimal impact on their race weekend. As the team assesses the damage and plans for repairs, the focus remains firmly on the racing action ahead.
