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McLaren blunder leaves tools in Lando Norris's cockpit during Miami GP practice

Lewis Hamilton, 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix. Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1/Mercedes-AMG

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Lewis Hamilton, 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix. Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1/Mercedes-AMG

McLaren’s Unusual Blunder: Tools Left in Lando Norris’s Cockpit During Miami GP Practice

The Miami Grand Prix weekend took a bizarre turn during Friday's practice session when McLaren made an uncharacteristic mistake—leaving tools inside Lando Norris's cockpit. The incident, which quickly became a talking point, created an unexpected distraction for last year’s winner as he prepared for sprint qualifying.

Norris Reacts to McLaren's Error

In a moment of frustration, Norris took to the team radio to alert McLaren about the oversight. "You've left so many tools in the cockpit. Everything is just falling apart," the British driver exclaimed. The peculiar scene unfolded as Norris was forced to return to the pits to remove the offending items himself. Among the tools reportedly tossed from the car was a torch, adding a humorous yet slightly embarrassing element to the mishap.

Stewards to Investigate the Incident

The stewards confirmed shortly afterward that the situation would be investigated, though such incidents are typically chalked up to minor human error. Despite the inconvenience, McLaren team principal Zak Brown was quick to address the situation, downplaying its severity. "Just a little mistake there, a little silly, a little embarrassing but all good," Brown told Sky Sports in post-session remarks.

Norris Aims to Refocus

Norris, known for his sharp driving and candidness on the radio, will now look to put the distraction behind him as McLaren gears up for Sunday’s race. The Woking-based team is in scintillating form, chasing their fifth victory in six races. Beyond the Miami fiasco, Norris faces the challenge of reclaiming the championship lead from teammate Oscar Piastri—a growing rivalry that has gripped the paddock in recent weeks.

The Path Forward for McLaren

Fortunately, the slip-up appears unlikely to disrupt Norris’s focus as he eyes another triumph on the unpredictable streets of Miami. Whether McLaren can recover from the embarrassment and maintain their dominance, however, remains to be seen.

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