Breaking:McLaren officially announced the withdrawal Lando Norris from 2025 Spanish GP Due to Health is…read more
McLaren officially announced the withdrawal Lando Norris from 2025 Spanish GP Due to Health is…read more
In a surprising turn of events ahead of the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, McLaren has officially confirmed that star driver Lando Norris will not participate in the race weekend due to health concerns. The 25-year-old British driver is reportedly suffering from flu-like symptoms and, following medical consultation, has been advised to rest and recover fully.
The Spanish Grand Prix, set to take place at the iconic Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on June 1, marks the ninth round of the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship. Norris’s absence is a major blow to McLaren’s campaign, as he currently sits second in the Drivers’ Standings, closely trailing teammate Oscar Piastri in what has been one of the most competitive seasons of his career.
In response to Norris’s unavailability, McLaren has named reserve driver Frederik Vesti as his replacement for the weekend. Vesti, who has been with the team as a development and test driver, will be making his official Formula 1 race debut. The Danish driver has participated in numerous practice sessions throughout the past year and is considered well-prepared to step into the high-pressure environment of a Grand Prix.
Team Principal Andrea Stella expressed support for both drivers in a brief statement:
“While it’s disappointing to have Lando miss out on the Spanish Grand Prix, his health and well-being remain our top priority. Frederik has shown great promise in our simulator work and testing, and we’re confident he’ll do a solid job representing McLaren on track this weekend.”
This unexpected change in the driver lineup comes at a crucial point in the season, with McLaren currently leading the Constructors’ Championship. Norris’s consistent podium finishes have been instrumental in building the team’s momentum in 2025, making his absence a strategic challenge for the team.
Speaking ahead of the weekend, Frederik Vesti shared his thoughts on the opportunity:
“This is a huge moment for me, and I’m incredibly grateful to McLaren for trusting me with this opportunity. Although it’s under unfortunate circumstances, I’m ready to give it everything I’ve got and help the team as much as possible.”
Practice sessions for the Spanish Grand Prix will begin on Friday, with qualifying scheduled for Saturday and the race on Sunday. All eyes will be on Vesti as he takes the wheel in Norris’s absence, and fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how the young driver performs under the spotlight.
McLaren has not provided a specific timeline for Norris’s return but reassured fans that his recovery is progressing and he will be back in action once medically cleared.
