Lando Norris has come down with suspected food poisoning on the eve of the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend, McLaren have confirmed.
On Thursdays, drivers spend much of their time at the circuit fulfilling their media obligations ahead of a race weekend. But Norris is absent today having complained of feeling unwell, and so will remain in his Sao Paulo hotel.
McLaren confirmed the news to Mirror Sport, who had been in the process of arranging an interview with the Brit. The team also posted publicly, telling fans: "Lando is feeling unwell with suspected food poisoning, so he will rest in the hotel today. We expect him back at track tomorrow."
As mentioned in that statement, McLaren are hopeful that Norris will not be forced to miss any competitive action this weekend. But it will be a race against time even more than usual, as this is a Sprint weekend and therefore qualifying will be taking place on Friday, rather than its usual Saturday slot.
It is the second time this season the 22-year-old has missed media day before a race weekend. He was also struck down on the eve of the Spanish Grand Prix, that time suffering from tonsillitis, but he was able to take part in the competitive action that weekend.
If Norris is unable to compete this weekend, McLaren may be able to fall back on several reserve drivers through their partnership with Mercedes. Stoffel Vandoorne and Nyck de Vries will presumably be available for them, while they might be able to field their 2023 driver Oscar Piastri if current employers Alpine permit it.
But Mirror Sport understands De Vries is the only one of the three currently in Brazil, meaning he will surely be the preferred choice in that scenario. McLaren are understood to be preparing the Dutchman for action, but only as a precaution.
Regardless, Norris' illness so close to the penultimate race of the season is far from ideal, for the driver or for his team. McLaren are currently locked in a tight battle with Alpine for fourth place in the constructors' championship.
Norris' team is trailing, but only by seven points heading into the final two races of the year. A greater amount of prize money is on offer for the team that can snatch fourth place from the other, as well as bragging rights between the two best midfield teams.
