FIA Grants Exemption to McLaren Following Challenges with Lando Norris
McLaren encountered significant challenges ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix, prompting a request for a special exemption from the FIA. This situation particularly involved race leader Lando Norris, whose car faced technical difficulties.
Issues with McLaren’s Cars
Prior to the sole practice session at Lusail International Circuit, all ten teams were instructed to display one car in front of their garages for the ‘Show and Tell’ event. This allowed fans and media to get a closer view of the vehicles. However, McLaren was unable to showcase its MCL39 for most of the session, raising eyebrows.
Non-Destructive Testing of Lando Norris’ Car
Sky Sports F1 reported that McLaren conducted non-destructive testing (NDT) on Lando Norris’ car. Technical delegate Jo Bauer approved the team’s request to delay displaying their car. While Oscar Piastri’s vehicle eventually made an appearance, concerns about Norris’ car remained.
- NDT was necessary to check for potential internal cracks.
- The car’s carbon fiber structure can be vulnerable to damage, especially after contact with walls.
- McLaren aimed to ensure the car’s safety before hitting the track.
Potential Causes of the Issues
According to Bernie Collins, a technical analyst for Sky Sports F1, the tests typically focus on areas like the suspension that could be affected by vibrations or impact. The concerns may have arisen from the car’s performance in the previous race in Las Vegas, where porpoising was noted.
Collins mentioned the unusual timing of this testing, as it usually occurs earlier in the week. This last-minute check was likely prompted by data collected when the car was fired up before practice.
Safety First
The main purpose of the NDT is to guarantee that the vehicle is safe for racing. The team needed to ensure that all sensors were functioning correctly and that no damage was present before Norris could take to the track.
As McLaren navigates these challenges, their focus remains on addressing any issues swiftly to maintain competitive performance in the championship.
