Norris cleared to race in Belgian GP after avoiding major injury

The McLaren driver was taken to hospital for precautionary x-ray checks on his elbow following his high-speed accident at the start of Q3 in Belgium.

After topping both Q1 and Q2 in wet conditions, Norris lost control of his McLaren car on the run up Eau Rouge and speared into the barriers at the top of the hill, before ending up in the run-off area of Raidillon.

Norris reported he was ok over team radio but appeared to be holding his left elbow as he climbed out of the cockpit of his wrecked McLaren, which sustained heavy damage in the violent smash.

Having been initially checked over at the trackside medical centre, the Briton was then transferred to a nearby hospital to undergo further assessment.

McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl confirmed in his media session after qualifying that Norris had been given the all-clear to race.

“The checks were done in the hospital, also on his elbow that was hurting a bit," Seidl said. "Everything is good, and he’s good to be back racing tomorrow.”

Norris was classified 10th in the Q3 order after failing to set a lap time but it remains to be seen whether the damage will force a chassis change and subsequent pit lane start.