Spanish Grand Prix

Fire at McLaren Formula 1 team: People injured

(Bild: AFP OR LICENSORS)

There was a firefighting operation in the Formula 1 paddock in Barcelona on Saturday. There was a lot of smoke in the McLaren motorhome - apparently as a result of a fire.

According to the British racing team, the team's accommodation was evacuated in the morning "due to a fire alarm". "The team was safely evacuated while the local fire department dealt with the problem." No further details were released by the racing team.

Fire in the kitchen
Eyewitnesses initially reported heavy smoke and an acrid stench. Firefighters entered the motorhome wearing protective masks. According to ORF information, it had started to burn in the kitchen and was a plastic fire. People were also injured, but there were no burns. TV footage showed one person wearing an oxygen mask being taken away in an ambulance.

The area around the motorhome, where team members, guests and drivers are usually catered for, was initially cordoned off over a large area. Police forces were also deployed. Shortly before the start of the final training session at 12.30 p.m., an ambulance and members of the fire department left the area in question.