McLaren Granted FIA Exemption After Issues With Norris' Car Ahead of Qatar GP
McLaren was granted an FIA exemption for the Qatar GP's practice session after discovering issues with both cars, especially Lando Norris's. The team conducted unusual non-destructive testing on Norris's car, checking for internal cracks in carbon fiber components. This last-minute scrutiny, potentially linked to previous porpoising or sensor anomalies, disrupted their pre-session routine, highlighting the critical need for safety and structural integrity in F1.
McLaren received a special exemption from the FIA just before the Qatar Grand Prix's sole practice session, following significant issues with both of its cars, particularly Lando Norris's.
Why it matters:
McLaren's unexpected technical issues forced them to delay the mandatory 'Show and Tell' session, sparking speculation and raising concerns about the team's readiness for a crucial Grand Prix weekend. Such last-minute problems can disrupt a team's preparation, especially for a driver like Norris who is consistently fighting at the sharp end of the grid.
The Details:
- Show and Tell Delay: Typically, all ten teams are required to display one race car for media and fans 90 minutes before FP1. McLaren initially did not have a car on display for most of the session before eventually wheeling out Oscar Piastri's MCL39.
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Sky Sports F1's Ted Kravitz reported that McLaren performed unusual non-destructive testing on Norris's car, examining all surfaces for cracks.
- This testing involves using probes to check for internal structural damage in carbon fiber components without disassembling them.
- Carbon Fiber Integrity: Bernie Collins, Sky Sports F1 technical analyst, explained that carbon fiber can develop internal cracks, often due to impacts or extreme vibrations.
- Collins suggested that the porpoising experienced by the cars in the previous week's Las Vegas Grand Prix might have prompted McLaren to double-check for vibration-induced damage.
- Unusual Timing: Performing NDT on a Friday morning, so close to practice, is highly unusual. Such checks are typically done earlier in the week during car assembly.
- This suggests McLaren might have discovered an anomaly after firing up the car and zeroing sensors, leading to the immediate need for thorough safety checks.
What's next:
While McLaren managed to get their cars ready for practice, the unexpected technical scrutiny highlights the immense pressure and precision required in Formula 1. Teams continuously push the boundaries of design, but reliability and structural integrity remain paramount. The incident serves as a reminder that even top teams can face last-minute challenges that demand swift and decisive action to ensure driver safety and competitive performance. The team will be keen to ensure these issues are fully resolved to maintain their strong performance throughout the Qatar Grand Prix weekend.