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Ferrari’s team principal, Frederic Vasseur, has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the issues surrounding manhole covers at the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit, labeling them as “simply unacceptable.”
The first practice session was abruptly halted just nine minutes in when Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz encountered a loose manhole cover.
Similarly, Esteban Ocon’s Alpine suffered damage from the same issue, leading to an early end to the session.
Vasseur revealed that Sainz’s Ferrari sustained extensive damage to its chassis, engine, and battery, jeopardizing its participation in the following session. He emphasized the significant financial impact, stating that the repairs would be extremely costly.
While praising the event’s spectacle, Vasseur stressed the need for a balance between entertainment and sports integrity. He commended the efforts of F1 owners Liberty Media for creating an impressive show but underscored the importance of maintaining high standards in the sporting aspect.
The track had been previously cleared for racing by the FIA, the sport’s governing body.
Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, commented that the incident wasn’t a result of cost-cutting measures, acknowledging the substantial investment in the event. He believes it was a simple oversight that needs addressing.
James Vowles, Williams’ team principal, noted that the powerful suction generated by modern F1 cars’ underbodies likely contributed to the unforeseen force on the manhole covers.
Following Ocon’s incident, Alpine also had to replace his car’s chassis.
The FIA announced an indefinite delay in the schedule to inspect all manhole covers around the circuit.
A spokesperson explained that the issue stemmed from the failure of a concrete frame around a manhole cover, necessitating a thorough inspection of all covers. Discussions with the local circuit engineers were underway to estimate the time required for the checks and any resulting changes to the event schedule.
This isn’t the first instance of a drain cover causing disruption in F1. A similar incident occurred at the 2019 Azerbaijan Grand Prix when George Russell’s Williams was severely damaged by a dislodged drain cover, leading to the cancellation of the first practice session.
The second practice session in Las Vegas was scheduled to commence at 00:00 local time (08:00 GMT).
Before the session’s halt, drivers were just beginning to get acquainted with the circuit, with Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari setting a pace 2.5 seconds faster than the Haas cars of Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen.
The event kicked off with an anticipated dazzling light show, setting the stage for a memorable weekend.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Las Vegas Grand Prix Manhole Issue
What happened during the first practice session of the F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix?
The first practice session was interrupted after just nine minutes due to a loose manhole cover, which caused damage to Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari and Esteban Ocon’s Alpine.
What was Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur’s reaction to the manhole cover issue?
Frederic Vasseur expressed strong dissatisfaction with the manhole cover problems, describing them as “unacceptable.” He highlighted the extensive damage to Carlos Sainz’s car and emphasized the significant repair costs.
Were any other teams affected by the manhole cover issue at the Las Vegas Grand Prix?
Yes, Esteban Ocon’s Alpine was also damaged due to the manhole cover issue, resulting in the need to replace the chassis on his car.
What was the response of the FIA to the manhole cover problem?
The FIA announced an indefinite delay in the event schedule to inspect all manhole covers around the track, following the discovery that the concrete frame around one of the manhole covers had failed.
Has a similar incident happened before in F1?
Yes, a similar incident occurred at the 2019 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where a loose drain cover caused significant damage to George Russell’s Williams, leading to the cancellation of the first practice session.
More about Las Vegas Grand Prix Manhole Issue
- Las Vegas Grand Prix Schedule
- F1 Safety Regulations and Standards
- Ferrari Team Official Website
- McLaren Racing Team Insights
- F1 Historical Incidents and Safety Reviews
- FIA Official Statements and Updates
