F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Norris at a loss to explain sudden McLaren failure

Lando Norris and McLaren were both at a loss to explain exactly what had caused the sudden collapse of the Brit's right rear suspension and his subsequent early retirement from Sunday's Canadian Grand Prix.

Norris was holding his own just inside the top ten in the opening laps of the race when a problem occurred on the exit of the final chicane on lap 9.

A lopsided right rear wheel and ignited elements at the rear of the car forced the McLaren driver to immediately park his MCL34 near the pitlane exit.

Sky F1's Martin Brundle suggested the drama had perhaps been caused by the McLaren's brakes catching fire and melting suspension element, but Norris had no insight to offer on the incident.

"We don't know yet until they get the car back, I can't say too much," he said.

"There was a problem with the brakes, which led to something else happening. But I have no idea.

"It's annoying because up to then I had quite a fun battle with Max [Verstappen]. I would've liked to complete the race, but just not our day."

©McLaren

Initial speculation on the problem suggested that the 19-year-old had perhaps made contact with one of the walls, a hypothesis Norris denied.

"I didn't hit any walls, I did everything normal. It looked like something to do with the suspension breaking or giving way. I can't confirm, I don't know what it is - neither do the guys.

"We need to get the car back and then we can investigate."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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