McLaren team member taken to hospital after paddock fire

McLaren has confirmed that a team member has been taken to hospital "as a precaution" following a fire in the paddock at the Spanish Grand Prix. 

Shortly before the start of Free Practice 3 on Saturday morning, the McLaren hospitality unit was evacuated after what is believed to be an electrical fire broke out in the kitchen. 

Local firefighters were quickly on the scene, with the neighbouring Alpine and Pirelli units also evacuated as a precaution. 

The fire has since been extinguished with all McLaren guests and personnel accounted for, but one tea member has been taken to hospital for precautionary checks. 

"This morning a fire was detected in our trackside Team Hub," read a McLaren statement to media including RacingNews365.

"The team hub was evacuated of all staff and guests, and circuit emergency services attended the scene within minutes. The circuit emergency services and local fire department have since extinguished the fire.

"One McLaren team member has been taken to hospital as a precaution, and all McLaren personnel and guests are accounted for.

"We would like to thank all the marshals and emergency services for their quick and professional response. 

"We would also like to thank Formula 1, the FIA and our competitors who have offered to help our team and guests this weekend."