The Las Vegas Grand Prix, currently captivating fans via 5 Live and the Sport News Center website, has kicked off with a rather unexpected obstacle on its track – manhole covers causing mayhem. Frederic Vasseur, the head honcho at Ferrari, minced no words when he labeled these problems as “just unacceptable.”
The drama unfolded during the first practice session, which was abruptly canceled after a mere nine minutes when Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari collided with a loose manhole cover. To add to the chaos, Esteban Ocon’s Alpine suffered a similar fate before the session was prematurely ended.
Vasseur didn’t hold back in expressing the gravity of the situation. He revealed that Sainz’s car had incurred substantial damage, including a damaged chassis, engine, and battery, potentially sidelining it for the second session if such an incident were to occur again.
In response to the alarming incidents, the FIA, the sport’s governing body, announced an indefinite delay to thoroughly inspect all manhole covers around the track, seeking to prevent any further mishaps.
Vasseur emphasized the financial toll these accidents would exact, stating that they would “cost a fortune.” While acknowledging the spectacle and grandeur that F1 owners, Liberty Media, had orchestrated around the race, he drew a clear line between the showmanship and the sporting aspect of the event. He stressed that it’s crucial to maintain excellence in both areas, highlighting the need for a robust sporting infrastructure.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix had been hailed for its grand opening ceremony, a dazzling spectacle in the world of Formula 1. However, Vasseur’s comments serve as a reminder that the sporting integrity of the event must not be compromised for the sake of theatrics.
Before the mishap, the FIA had given the track its stamp of approval, deeming it fit for racing. F1 itself acted as the promoter for this race, investing over £500 million in preparations, including constructing the largest pit building on the F1 calendar and meticulously preparing the track. This investment marks the beginning of a lasting presence for F1 in Las Vegas.
Hosting a Grand Prix in Las Vegas represents the culmination of four decades of on-and-off efforts, and its success is rooted in the support of local casinos, which stand to reap substantial profits from the event. The race is seen as a vital component of Las Vegas’ bid to become a global sporting hub.
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown dismissed any suggestions of corner-cutting, asserting that no expenses were spared in organizing the event. He chalked up the mishap to an unfortunate misjudgment.
James Vowles, the head of the Williams team, shed light on the aerodynamic forces at play in modern F1 cars, suggesting that the high levels of suction generated from their underbodies might have caught the organizers off guard.
Alpine was also forced to replace the chassis on Ocon’s car due to the manhole cover incident, further underlining the severity of the situation.
The FIA spokesperson shed light on the technical aspect of the problem, explaining that it was the concrete frame around a manhole cover that had failed. They acknowledged the need for extensive checks on all other manhole covers, a process that would inevitably consume time. Discussions about potential schedule adjustments were underway as they explored various scenarios.
This unfortunate incident is a reminder of the challenges posed by unexpected obstacles on F1 tracks. In a sport driven by precision and speed, even the slightest disruption can have significant consequences.
As the teams regroup and the discussions continue, the Las Vegas Grand Prix is poised for an eventful journey in its return to the city, marking the first race in the neon-lit metropolis since 1982. The excitement and anticipation remain, but the incident with the manhole covers has injected an element of unpredictability into the mix, keeping fans and teams alike on their toes as they prepare for the next stage of this high-stakes race.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Las Vegas Grand Prix Manhole Cover Incident
What caused the cancellation of the first practice session at the Las Vegas Grand Prix?
The cancellation of the first practice session at the Las Vegas Grand Prix was due to loose manhole covers on the track. Carlos Sainz’s collision with one of these loose covers prompted the cancellation.
What damage did Carlos Sainz’s car suffer from hitting the manhole cover?
Carlos Sainz’s car incurred significant damage, including a damaged chassis, engine, and battery, which raised concerns about his participation in the second session.
How did the organizers respond to the manhole cover issues?
The FIA, Formula 1’s governing body, responded by ordering an indefinite delay to inspect all manhole covers around the track to prevent further incidents.
What did Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur have to say about the situation?
Frederic Vasseur, head of the Ferrari team, criticized the manhole cover issues, labeling them as “unacceptable.” He also emphasized the financial impact of the damage and stressed the importance of maintaining excellence in both showmanship and the sporting aspect of the event.
Was there any suggestion of cost-cutting in organizing the Las Vegas Grand Prix?
McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown dismissed any suggestions of cost-cutting, asserting that no expenses were spared in organizing the event. He attributed the mishap to a misjudgment rather than corner-cutting.
How did modern F1 cars’ aerodynamics contribute to the issue?
James Vowles, Williams team boss, pointed out that modern F1 cars generate substantial suction from their underbodies, which the organizers might not have anticipated. This factor could have contributed to the manhole cover incidents.
What did the FIA spokesperson reveal about the technical aspect of the problem?
The FIA spokesperson explained that it was the concrete frame around a manhole cover that had failed, necessitating checks on all other covers. They also mentioned ongoing discussions about potential schedule adjustments.
More about Las Vegas Grand Prix Manhole Cover Incident
- Las Vegas Grand Prix disrupted by manhole cover incidents (BBC Sport)
- Ferrari team boss Frederic Vasseur’s comments on manhole cover problems (BBC Sport)
- F1’s preparations and investment for the Las Vegas Grand Prix (BBC Sport)
- Insight into the aerodynamics of modern F1 cars (BBC Sport)
- FIA’s response and technical details about the manhole cover issue (BBC Sport)
5 comments
Modern F1 cars got crazy suction, didn’t see that coming. Big $ spent, can’t be cutting corners!
That FIA spokesperson really spills the beans on the manhole issue, gotta keep those covers in check!
Thx for the deets on what went down in Vegas! Ferrari’s boss is spot on – show’s gr8 but racing gotta be tight!
Vegas F1 after 40 yrs, epic! Casino $$ + racing = ultimate combo. Let’s hope for drama on the track, not under it!
vrooom, those manhole covers caused a mega mess! F1 is srsly about precision, no room for mishaps!