The Brazilian GP is set to take place this weekend from November 11-13 – is Lando Norris fit to race?
McLaren’s Lando Norris could miss the Brazilian GP because of illness resulting from food poisoning. The McLaren team has already confirmed that Norris will miss the pre-race practice sessions at the Interlagos Circuit but there’s no confirmation yet about his availability for the Sprint and the main race on Sunday. McLaren has kept their options open and if Norris cannot recover in time, Mercedes reserve driver Nyck de Vries could take his place in Brazil.
In its official statement on social media, McLaren stated: “Lando is feeling unwell with suspected food poisoning, so he will rest in the hotel today. We expect him back on track tomorrow.” Brazil is one of three events this year being held under the “sprint” format, so there is just one practice session before a qualifying session. This implies that Norris needs to be back in the car for that second session in order to take part in the rest of the race weekend.
McLaren have an able replacement in Nyck de Vries if the situation demands
It is expected that Norris will be fit in time for the race but if things do not work out, Dutchman Nyck de Vries will be behind the steering wheel for McLaren in Brazil. Earlier this season, De Vries made his F1 debut at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza for team Williams. He had a weekend to remember at the Italian GP in Monza. Subbed in on Saturday for the sick Alex Albon at Williams, the young Dutchman not only out-qualified his teammate, he scored two points on his F1 race debut after a very impressive drive at Monza.
De Vries recently signed a new contract which Alpha Tauri which will see him represent them as a full-time driver in 2023. The Dutchman will partner Yuki Tsunoda in Gasly’s absence next year, and has already visited the team’s Faenza factory to introduce himself to his future colleagues. He took part in FP1 in Mexico for Mercedes at the last round, and De Vries said he will leave the team “grateful” for the opportunities they have given him.
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