Big Boost for McLaren F1 With Positive Lando Norris Update After Horror Crash at Spa

After W-Series witnessed an insane multi-car crash during qualifying late on Friday evening, it was Lando Norris, who had to face the wrath of the scary Raidillon/Eau Rouge turn at Spa Francorchamps. However, the good news is that Norris has received the green light to proceed with the race.

The Briton suffered a very intense crash during qualifying, leaving his McLaren MCL35 completely dismantled. Of course, conditions weren’t suitable enough for an F1 car, and the FIA had to realize that the hard way through Norris’ misery.

However, what ended up concerning everyone was Andreas Seidl’s comments on Norris’ condition. Apparently, Norris was holding his elbow, which meant that he must have had an impact within the McLaren cockpit.

Hence, Seidl opted to leave the question hanging over whether Norris could race on Sunday. Subsequently, McLaren released a statement revealing Norris’ condition.

“Following his accident during qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix, Lando was checked at the trackside medical centre and then sent to a local hospital for a precautionary x-ray of his elbow. A further update will be issued in due course,” McLaren wrote on Twitter.

Norris fit to race on Sunday

Hours after the incident at Spa, Seidl affirmed that Norris had gone through the entire list of medical checks, including a look at the elbow. And the result is a thumbs-up from the medical team.

“The checks were done in the hospital, also on his elbow that was hurting a bit. Everything is good, and he’s good to be back racing tomorrow,” Seidl said, according to Autosport.

Drivers who were standing as a back-up for Lando Norris at Belgian GP

The prime candidate would have been Stoffel Vandoorne.

Why, you might ask?

Firstly, the Belgian would be racing in front of his home crowd, but that wouldn’t be McLaren’s priority, is it? Neither is ours.

Vandoorne has the capability of jumping into the car at the very last minute with hardly any running, as he has driven for McLaren in the past and owns abundant experience in F1. Also, amidst potential treacherous conditions on Sunday afternoon, McLaren might have had to rely on experience to bring the car home in one piece.

But, apart from Vandoorne, there is his Formula-E teammate, Nyck de Vries. The Dutch recently lifted the Formula-E crown and is oozing with confidence. What’s more, he is also the prime candidate for the Williams seat next season.

Hence, McLaren might have pushed for Vries to replace Norris. And finally, there is Paul di Resta. The Briton has done it in the past for Williams and he could well have done it again at Spa. Di Resta is currently competing in the WEC.

Well, overall, backup isn’t even necessary anymore, with Norris ready to get his redemption after the qualifying misery. So, can the Briton fight through the grid to claim strong points for McLaren on Sunday?

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